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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
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
Meet Petunia, an 18-year old graduating senior at SDYS.
“My SDYS journey began eight years ago when I was a fifth grader in Concert Winds. Since then, I have had the pleasure of playing flute in Ovation, viola in Sinfonia, and percussion in Wind Symphony. Spending my Saturdays in rehearsal at Balboa Park, I have learned the importance of being aware of not only my part in the music, but also the ones around me. In life, we often focus on our own goals, our own dreams, and our own fears; we forget that there are others around us who also have goals, dreams, and fears.
As musicians, we spend countless hours by ourselves, turning notes on a page into sound. SDYS has given me the opportunity to experience the magic that is created when an orchestra plays together, breathes together, and experiences life together. Becoming aware of others' parts in music has opened the door to becoming aware of others' parts in life. I have met incredibly talented musicians and have become friends with instrumentalists through the bonds forged by the level of interconnectedness one can only achieve by playing in an ensemble. Being a member of SDYS has been life-altering, and I am eternally grateful for everything I have learned and experienced as part of the organization.”
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
Showcase Ensembles
Inspiration Ensembles
Prelude Ensembles
Community Programs
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The Opus Project
Supporting Music in Schools
ChIMES Early Childhood Music
Partnerships and Research
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