|
Founded
in 1945 by Leo Scheer, under the sponsorship of the San Diego
Park and Recreation Department, the San Diego Youth Symphony
and Conservatory gives talented student and pre-professional
musicians an opportunity to study and perform classical repertoire
at a highly advanced level. The sixth oldest continuously
operating youth orchestra in the United States, the SDYS program
has grown during the tenure of Artistic Director Jeff Edmons,
from one orchestra, to three full symphony orchestras and
a chamber orchestra at the advanced level, and four large
ensembles for students at the intermediate and introductory
levels. In addition, the organization supports a string quartet,
woodwind quartet, flute choir, brass choir, two French Horn
ensembles, an advanced percussion ensemble, and brass quintet.
Our community partnership with Oak Park School provides elementary
school children with a world percussion ensemble as well as
classical percussion training. The organization trains over
450 musicians each season.
Musicians
who participate in the SDYS programs come from all over San
Diego County and as well from neighboring Imperial and Riverside
counties. In the 61 years since its inception, the orchestra
has represented San Diego abroad in 13 foreign concert tours,
performing in 18 foreign countries. In addition to regular
concert performances, the orchestra has supported the San
Diego Community by participating in civic events and fundraising
efforts such as the Mayor's State of the City Address, the
County Board of Supervisor's State of the County Address,
Opening Ceremonies of the Arco Olympic Training Center and
benefits for the San Diego Center for Children, The San Diego
Community Foundation, the Mengei Museum and many others. Small
ensembles regularly perform at public and private events throughout
the year.
Membership
at all levels is by audition and ensembles are available for
musicians through age 25. For many musicians, the San Diego
Youth Symphony and Conservatory has been the impetus for college
scholarships and professional music careers, while others
find that the adherence to high standards and the self-discipline
required for the musicians has provided unparalleled training
for future success in any field.
|
|
