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 through 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
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Be sure to check the COVID-19 event policy on each event listing prior to attending or purchasing tickets.
REGISTRATION for the 2021-2022 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 August 1, and join mid-year.
UPCOMING DONOR EVENTS
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Be sure to check the COVID-19 event policy on each event listing prior to attending or purchasing tickets.
Announcements & Recent News
From Our Facebook Feed
It means so much when a student - in this case from this summer's International Youth Symphony group - shares that they had a meaningful experience with us. Many thanks to Max and all of this year's IYS musicians for their enthusiasm and dedication, as well as their incredible musicianship. We're so glad you were able to join us and guest conductor Jeffrey Grogan! 😍
www.instagram.com/p/Cg9ifsqIkOS/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Jeffrey Grogan
The 2022-23 Season's First Downbeat orientation event is only a couple of weeks away, but it seems we've only just finished our summer International Youth Symphony program. Although the recording doesn't capture the excitement and sound quality of the performance space at St. Paul's, we hope you'll enjoy this video of the opening work from the last performance of the IYS string orchestra: String Symphony No. 7 in D minor by Felix Mendelssohn. Many thanks to IYS guest conductor Jeffrey Grogan as well!
Muchas felicidades Sophia y Carolina!!👏👏👏
Felicidades Sophia Getman y Carolina Fernández
Pat Sandlund
Meet Our Students
Student Stories
If you’re going to learn an instrument, volunteer for ChIMES!”
Henry Hobson, bassoon, Trombone
Learn MoreConservatory 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
