Established in 1945, San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory is the 6th oldest continuously operating youth symphony in the United States, serving close to 700 beginning through pre-professional student musicians annually in 14 full orchestras and 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.
Upcoming Events
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
There are no upcoming events at this time.
REGISTRATION for the 2021-2022 SEASON
Registration for the 2021-22 season is now open! Rehearsals will start in September. There’s a place for any young musician, age 7 – 22, of any ability in our ensembles. We hope you’ll join us.
UPCOMING DONOR EVENTS
From Our Facebook Feed
Have you watched the performance video of "(You Are) Amazing" to catch all the encouraging messages from community leaders to local music education students? If not, then you've missed this awesome one from Mayor Todd Gloria. Don't waste another minute: if you haven't watched the video of this incredible piece written just for SDYS by acclaimed composer Brian Balmages click here: youtu.be/l0yjljEoJMg
What a tremendous time we had last night at our 13th annual Encore! Scholarship Fundraiser - in person, at last! So much fun, friendship, and serious fundraising going on - and the joy of being together again to celebrate the power of music education was palpable. From our cherished donors to our dedicated student performers, to our passionate team, a wonderful time was presented and had by all. And did we mention the fundraising?! WOW! A post on that will be coming soon when the numbers are officially totaled. Many thanks to everyone who made this incredible event possible. 💗🎶💗
We are very proud of the young musicians🎷
Wonderful ‼️‼️‼️ So encouraging 🎶🎶🎶🎶💕💕‼️
Meet Our Students
Student Stories
“To me, SDYS isn’t just a group of students playing together. It’s become a family for me.”
Kevin Song & Family, cello
Learn MoreConservatory Programs
Ovation Ensembles
Provides our most advanced musicians in our flagship program with intensive, pre-professional musical training at the highest levels attainable in a youth orchestra program.
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
Community Opus Project
The Community 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
