Auditions for all of the SDYS ensembles are held in June. Musicians are required to prepare a solo piece no longer than three minutes long. They will also be required to sight read and scales. (The scales are noted in the Audition Requirements in the Registration Packet.) The musicians are allowed to take their scale ‘cheat sheet’ in with them to the audition.
Is my child required to take private music lessons?
No. SDYS does not require private lessons for its members; however, many musicians prefer to take part in private lessons.
What is the expected time commitment?
Rehearsals: Rehearsals are on Saturdays in Balboa Park. They will run anywhere from 1 ½ to 2 hours depending on the ensemble.
Concerts: Time for concerts varies. There will be a dress rehearsal which with check in and rehearsal will take approx. 1 hour. Musicians begin checking in with the SDYS staff 45 minutes prior to the start of the concert. ALL musicians are required to stay for the entire concert (2 hours) out of respect for other musicians and their conductor.
Can ladies wear nice pants or does it have to be a dress?
Concert attire for ladies can be pants, as long as they are dress pants and full length. Please do not wear Capri pants for any concert.
How do I get in touch with the conductors after hours?
SDYS encourages open communication with the conductors and staff. The preferred method of communication is through email. Each conductor and staff member has their own email address. These can be found in the SDYS Musicians Handbook.
Where do I find directions to the concert halls? The directions to the concert venues are posted on the SDYS website under “Performances”.
The San Diego Youth Symphony ensembles will perform at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, Copley Symphony Hall in downtown San Diego, and at the Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla throughout the season.
