Sacramento Youth Symphony

The Sacramento Youth Symphony (SYS) was founded in 1956 as a 55-member youth orchestra. SYS was incorporated as an independent organization in 1991 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since incorporating, the SYS has grown from one orchestra to a program where over 400 young people can advance through introductory, beginning, intermediate, and advanced orchestras. The SYS presents over 20 concerts each year.  The Sacramento Youth Symphony & Academy of Music programs build bridges between music and academic subjects, integrate orchestra ethics with appropriate social behavior and help students build self-discipline, self-expression, and self-belief with skills that will help them throughout their lives.

- Weekly programs: The Sacramento Youth Symphony offers talented and passionate young musicians an opportunity to participate in two full orchestras, three string orchestras, and a symphonic wind ensemble (Premier, Academic, Classic, Symphonic, Vivace, Prelude).
- After-school programs for Under-served: Overture is a free after-school program currently offered at Father Keith B. Kenny K-8 school in Oak Park and Pacific Elementary in South Sacramento. No prior music experience is required, and instruments are provided at no charge. The only requirements for the students are a commitment to attend regularly, a practice schedule, and care for the instrument. Parents are required to sign a contract that they will ensure their children practice at home during the week.
- Chamber Music Workshops: Summer Chamber Music Workshop is an intensive program introducing young musicians to chamber music. Taught by professional musicians, participants receive individualized coaching and conclude their programs with concerts.
- Outreach: Each orchestra and ensemble perform concerts as part of our traditional concert series and outreach concerts in the community, particularly to schools lacking music programs. The SYS, through Any Given Child Sacramento, reaches over 1,000 elementary students in the region through outreach concerts.
- Concerto Competitions: Each season the SYS holds an Annual Concerto Competition, with the winners being offered an opportunity to shine as soloists at the Premier and Academic Concerto Concerts. The competition is open to all orchestra members.