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SDYS will be offering several classes to supplement your student's music education during the first concert period. The classes in September are free, one time, and open to both currently enrolled and deferred students. The classes in October and November are a five-week session, $100 per class, and open only to currently enrolled students.

Free September classes:

September 17 & 24

7:00pm-8:00pm

One time class topics: instrument care and maintenance, effective practice routines, online music learning tools, and the benefits of learning a second instrument.

Classes offered TONIGHT, Thursday, September 17: 

Fee-based October classes:

$100 per class series (5 weeks)

Tuesdays or Thursdays from October 5 - November 2

7:00pm-8:00pm

Weekly class series topics: Intro to Percussion, Beginning Music Theory, Conducting Club, and Intro to Jazz Technique & Styles

Please refer to this document for access to the password protect site, ensemble schedule, Zoom link, Sountrap link, BAND.us link, and PDFs of music. We recommend you bookmark the document as you may need to access this information often.

After 5 years of supporting families in the Conservatory program, Cecilia Vega is stepping away in order to focus on her translation business. Friday, 9/18, is her last day at SDYS. Thank you, Cecilia, for the many ways you have helped our families feel connected and a part of SDYS!

SDYS offers two separate yearly Concerto Competitions to further its individual members' opportunities at the highest level. One competition is for Showcase musicians and the other is for Ovation musicians.

Candidates for the Ovation competition must select either a movement from a multi-movement concerto or a complete concerto in one movement. Candidates for the Showcase competition must select a movement from the approved list of concertos.

The competitions take place in two rounds. The preliminary round is for all candidates; however, a limited number of candidates will advance to the final round. Please review the competition details, application deadline, and full requirements on the SDYS website prior to registering.

Preliminary Round

Final Round

Saturday, November 7, 2020, 5pm 

Preliminary Round

Final Round

SDYS students and families now have the option to receive important ensemble specific updates via text to their phone. Notifications will only be sent for important updates or changes, e.g., rehearsal cancellation, concert times, etc.  

To opt in, text "@" followed by your ensemble code to 81010.

CHOOSE YOUR ENSEMBLE CODE FROM THIS LIST:

Congratulations to Nao Nadahara as the recipient of the Carson Kemp Memorial Scholarship this year!

In the spring of 2007, the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory family lost violinist Carson Kemp. She was a vibrant and social sixteen year-old who excelled in music, academics, and sports. She shared her beautiful smile with everyone and displayed her musical talents as a member of San Diego Youth Symphony. Carson also served as the concertmaster for the University City High School orchestra.

In Carson’s memory, her mother Andrea Schwartz, established the Carson Kemp Memorial Fund to provide an annual scholarship support to a student in the Youth Symphony who mirrors Carson’s range of interests and outgoing personality. Carson’s mother and San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory wish to thank everyone who helped establish this scholarship.

Staff continue to work from home and are available via email and phone. Please visit sdys.org/COVID-19 for any new information.

Would you like to be a Guest Musician for ChIMES@Home?

We are looking for SDYS students and alumni to demonstrate their instrument for young children ages 0-5 and their caregivers as a Volunteer Guest Musician.

Our early childhood ChIMES classes are currently being run virtually, with live Zoom classes and access to additional video content. ChIMES families love meeting SDYS students of all ages and abilities and hearing them play their instruments, and we would like to continue offering this opportunity in an online format.

Guest Musicians will participate in a casual "interview" via Zoom with a ChIMES staff member, in which you will play a short piece of music (your choice), a simple children's song, and answer a few questions about your instrument and your background.

This is a fun experience that not only helps inspire and educate our youngest SDYS kids, but also counts for volunteer or community service hours!

Please email chimes@sdys.org if you are interested in this opportunity or if you have any questions. Thank you!

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences is conducting research on arts education, access, and inequality, and are looking for youth, ages 13-17, to participate in a Listening Session via Zoom on September 23 from 12:30-2:30 PT. 

Participants do not need to have an interest in an arts career to participate and will receive a $25 Blick online gift certificate. Participants must register here by Friday, September 18 to be sent the video conference link. If you have any questions, feel to contact Allentza Michel amichel@amacad.org, or Mary Lyons at mlyons@amacad.org.