Thursday, June 4
In This Issue...
  • Aceeptd Auditions Deadline: June 5, 11:59pm
  • Weekend Zoom Sessions
  • Graduating Seniors
  • SDYS Youth Leadership Student Council
  • This Week in Music History
  • Student Interview with Diana Reid, Ovation Cellist
  • General Information, Other Events, and Opportunities
Acceptd Auditions Deadline: June 5, 11:59pm

Returning registered students have received information about submitting video auditions in previous emails. Please refer to this correspondence if any questions arise concerning audition video submissions. Please also feel free to contact the Conservatory team if you have any further questions about submitting your auditions.
Weekend Zoom Sessions

All families will receive emails from their conductor about their upcoming weekend Zoom session.

Every Friday by 12:00pm, we will update the  Conductor Sessions webpage with Zoom links and passwords. For your safety, the webpage is  password protected. You can access the password on  My SDYS Portal. If you have trouble logging in, please contact  conservatory@sdys.org with a detailed description of the issue.
Graduating Seniors

If you are graduating from high school and SDYS this year, we would love to acknowledge your accomplishments and your future plans in our June 13 season's end virtual celebration.

We're proud of your accomplishments and excited to hear about the next phase of your life!

Please submit the following items on this form:


  • Your name 
  • Head shot with your college t-shirt!
  • Name of college or university you will be attending
  • Your major

Thank you, and congratulations! 
*NEW* SDYS Youth Leadership Council

The SDYS Youth Leadership Council is a youth-led group of SDYS musicians who want to get more involved, connect with other SDYS musicians, and contribute positively to the future of SDYS.

Participants must have parent/guardian permission to join.

Students will be joining a BAND.us group, monitored by SDYS staff at all times. Invitations will be sent directly to student's email following submission of this form:


Please see  https://sdys.org/program/current-students/ to review the online safety measures we are following for this group and all other online interactions.

Thank you for your interest in this new SDYS youth-led initiative!

Lauren Rausch, Conservatory Program Manager
Kaitlyn Korogy, Community Program Manager
Ellie Lee, SDYS Youth Leader
Noor Alramadan, SDYS Youth Leader
This Week in Music History
Student Interview with Diana Reid, Ovation Cellist

How long have you been playing the cello? 
I’ve been playing cello for seven years.

What inspired you to choose the cello?
When I was younger, my parents would play music videos from this band called OneRepublic for me. They use cellos in a lot of their songs, and one day while watching the music video for “All Fall Down”, I saw the cello and immediately said “I want to play that one!” 
My parents thought it would be best for me to have a foundation in piano, so I started that when I was five. After studying that for five years, my parents decided I was ready to start cello as well!

Do you participate in your school’s orchestra? How does participating in your school’s ensemble and SDYS benefit you?
Yes, I am the principal cellist of the Canyon Crest Academy Chamber Orchestra. Playing in both ensembles has been pivotal in my development as a musician because it means that I am playing in an orchestra at least 6 days a week (and some weeks, every day of the week) for at least 1.5 hours a day. It’s this idea of “sink or swim”, I think; it teaches me to think and learn on my feet. If I don’t know a certain technique that’s used in one of our pieces, for example, I know I’ll have to figure it out by the next rehearsal! It keeps me from stagnating and constantly challenges me to improve.
Apart from my development as a musician, participating in both ensembles is my favorite thing about the week. I love my music family, and I love being a part of something greater than myself. 

How have you been affected by the move to online music? 
Because of the transition to online learning, I’ve missed physically being in an orchestra. There’s nothing quite like it. However, I’m thankful that we’ve been able to remain in contact through the weekly Ovation meetings and Mr. Edmon’s conducting club.

How was the transition to online schooling with your other classes?
For the most part, the transition to online schooling with other classes worked well. Honestly, I don’t really mind going to my morning classes in pajamas!

What are you looking forward to in your senior year? 
I’m looking forward to performing in the senior recital and becoming one of the orchestra “parents”! I’m also excited for some of the classes I’m taking, such as European history and physics. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am immeasurably grateful to SDYS for all of the opportunities it has given me. I have grown so much as a person and a musician through this program, and I would not be where I am today without the encouragement of all the SDYS staff. I cannot wait to be back in Balboa Park and play with everyone again!

Thank you for the fantastic interview, Diana!
Register Now for ChIMES@Home Summer 2020 Session
Monday June 22 – Friday August 14
Cost: $125 per family

This 8-week session is for parents/caregivers and children ages 0-5 (and any other members of your household that would like to join in the fun too!)

You and your child will share meaningful music-making experiences together at home. Interactive LIVE classes and creative videos will have you singing, dancing, playing instruments and learning new skills!

Session includes:

  • 2 live-streaming classes each week 
  • New video posted every week, plus at-home musical activities, tips and resources
  • 1 Instrument Kit per family 
  • On-demand access to all ChIMES videos and live class recordings 
  • 1 live “ChIMES Check-In” session

COVID-19

The SDYS office is closed, and all rehearsals in Balboa Park are suspended until further notice. Staff are available via email and are working to provide opportunities for students to learn remotely. We are continuing to evaluate this fluid situation and will contact you regarding program updates. Please visit sdys.org/COVID-19 for any new information.

Educational Resources

Learn more about programs for preparing for college, summer intensive study, conservatory and collegiate opportunities from our promotional partners.
General Information, Other Events, and Opportunities

The events listed below are for information only. They are not sponsored or evaluated by, and do not have a connection with SDYS. Musicians are not allowed to exceed the maximum permitted absences according to the Musician's Handbook by participating in any events listed below.

As a courtesy reminder, please respect the privacy of all students and families. Please do not use emails from SDYS to send personal messages to other students or families.
StringPlay
June 22-July 3, 2020

Join students at StringPlay Online, a summer camp based in Phoenix, Arizona, for a week-long exploration of musical creativity! Founded in 2013, StringPlay provides a fun, creative, and educational environment where students learn new musical skills and approach music in new ways.

​StringPlay is open to violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists who completed grades 7-12 in the 2019-2020 school year.

Click here for more information.
Dale Carnegie Leadership Program

For over a century, Dale Carnegie has been improving individual and business performance around the world. While our training techniques continue to evolve, our core principles remain true to a single vision: real transformation begins within. Our multistep process is designed to get to the heart of what your organization needs. Centered on workforce training that provides measurable results, we help in guiding our clients to outpace their competition time and time again.

The leadership program will help students with:

  • Better prepared when applying for college and interviewing for jobs.
  • Teens leave with increased focus on their goals.
  • Able to confront problems and challenges in a more positive way. 
  • Teens feel they're more effective and persuasive communicators.
  • 2 college credits upon completion.
Sincerely,
Anna Sharp
Conservatory Program Assistant
Financial Support Provided by the City of San Diego.
This activity is supported in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency.
Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.