Established in 1945, San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory is the 6th oldest continuously operating youth symphony in the United States, serving close to 600 beginning through pre-professional student musicians annually in 13 full orchestras and large ensembles. Through SDYS’ flagship ensemble program in Balboa Park, its neighborhood engagement projects, and its early childhood music curriculum, SDYS is San Diego’s most comprehensive provider of ‘cradle-to-college’ music education programs and a national leader in innovative community engagement, serving thousands of young musicians and their families each year.
The San Diego Youth Symphony is a proud member of the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, a collaboration of 26 arts, science, and cultural institutions in San Diego’s Balboa Park.
Upcoming Events
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
REGISTRATION for the 2022-2023 SEASON
Our primary registration period for the 2022-23 season is now closed.
We are continuing to accept auditions for the following instruments:
- Strings: Viola and bass only
- Winds: Oboe and bassoon only
- Brass: Trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, and tuba
- Percussion
Marching band students who play the above-mentioned instruments may also audition (for any SDYS ensemble) until October 24, 2022, and join mid-year.
UPCOMING DONOR EVENTS
Announcements & Recent News
From Our Facebook Feed
SDYS’ Youth Leadership Council brings together young leaders from across SDYS programs to connect and contribute to the future of SDYS, and who enjoy making music together.
Join us for the YLC's free “Seasonal Symphonies” concert, featuring small group performances of Fall holiday-themed works, touching on Veteran’s Day, Halloween, Violin Day, Chanukah, Christmas, and more!
Sunday, December 11 at 6pm at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center, 2115 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101 @sdysylc
Many thanks to the Fallbrook Music Society for including SDYS' soloists and Chamber Orchestra in their season line-up.
Meet Our Students
Student Stories
If you’re going to learn an instrument, volunteer for ChIMES!”
Henry Hobson, bassoon, Trombone
Learn MoreEnsemble Programs
Ovation Ensembles
Encourages our intermediate-level students to participate in both an orchestra and a wind ensemble and exposes them to diverse musical literature.
Showcase Ensembles
Encourages our intermediate-level students to participate in both an orchestra and a wind ensemble and exposes them to diverse musical literature.
Inspiration Ensembles
Offers quality foundational ensembles that develop technical, collaborative, and musical skills as they progress on their instruments.
Prelude Ensembles
Our entry-level instruction offers quality introductory classes that provide an important musical and social experience for young students.
Community Programs
Learn More
The Opus Project
The Opus Project includes after school instrumental orchestra and band programs for students in Chula Vista.
Supporting Music in Schools
SDYS supports many school programs across San Diego County to help in their development or expansion of in-school music.
ChIMES Early Childhood Music
ChIMES (Childhood Introduction to Music Education, with Smiles) highlights one of the most integral phases of child growth and development, from birth to age 5.
Partnerships and Research
SDYS plays a key role in collaborating with local and national organizations to document evidence of the benefit of music education.
Our Supporters
