The Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra remains an affiliated group of the Bakersfield Symphony, operating under its board of directors with able assistance from manager Gemi Acupan. It is comprised of students ranging in age from seventh grade through their first year of undergraduate college. This audition-only ensemble attracts highly-motivated and talented young students and performs high-level orchestral repertoire. Under the musical direction of Dr. Leo Sakomoto, the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra performs three concerts per year.