The Urban Youth Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra that performs professional level orchestral repertoire. Students receive private lessons from some of the finest musicians in the area, and have the opportunity to collaborate with one another by playing ensemble music every weekday. They perform at least four large concerts a year, in addition to touring area high schools.

During the Summer Intensive, the Urban Youth Orchestra meets five days a week for seven hours. Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge. Music history, music theory, and musicianship are taught, in addition to private lessons and orchestra.