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
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
Encore! Annual Scholarship Fundraiser 2021
From Our Facebook Feed
Don't miss this evening's premiere of our Youth Leadership Council's first group project. "YLC Presents: Works by Black Composers" will be available on YouTube Live at 5:00 and features performances of works by Black composers along with presentations to increase awareness. Seeking a way to express their solidarity and extend their voices in support of the racial justice movements taking place across the country, the YLC worked for months to create this concert experience with the understanding that change begins by learning from and sharing with one another.
The weekend is almost here - a perfect time to add a little culture to your life. Here's another ArtStop at the San Diego Museum of Art featuring SDYS students David Johnston, Nao Nadahara, Julian Wu, Theresa Pia Tovey, Dasha Zerboni, Archimedes Li, and Cynthia Huang. Enjoy as they share their favorite musical pieces paired with works of art at the museum.
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
