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
International Youth Symphony Concert: Twilight in the Park
ChIMES “Picnic with a Purpose” – Support the M. Adler Lindberg Family Scholarship Fund
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
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
Even though we're wishing everyone a great summer, that doesn't mean that the music education opportunities stop! We're gearing up once again to partner with the San Diego Unified School District to support visual and performing arts summer camp activities. SDYS team member (and flutist!) Lionel Avila was a guest on CBS8 along with San Diego Unified School District's Paula Richardson and the VAPA Foundation's Michael Camacho, sharing information on summer camp opportunities at Wilson Middle School. In addition to loads of creative class activities, SDYS team members and teaching artists will be hosting Summer Sights and Sounds for band, string, choir, and piano students. Learn more and sign your SDUSD student up at the VAPA Foundation website: vapafoundation.org
So proud and happy to see Mr. Lionel succeeding in his projects and shearing his talents
May God bless. This great team. Baraka. From Kenya
Many thanks to the wonderful members of the Hausmann Quartet , and to all of the SDYS and Hausmann Chamber Music Program students that gathered together to work on their sightreading skills by playing chamber music - and eating pizza! - a week ago. Have a great summer everyone, we'll see you soon for more chamber music activities and ensemble rehearsals in September.
MY DREAM SCHOOL ONE DAY I AM FROM KENYA
I love this
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
