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This year, we are having an SDYS costume contest! A poll will be created on band.us and you will be able to vote for your favorite costume. The poll will open 11/1 at 7pm.

There will be one winner per ensemble and one SDYS overall winner. The overall winner will get an Amazon gift card!

To participate in the contest, you will have to take a picture of yourself in costume anytime between now and 11/1. Submit your picture here.

Voting opens on 11/1 at 7pm on band.us. The winners will be announced on 11/3!

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR FALL 2020

SmartMusic: for those experiencing any confusion, please click here to see the user guide.

SoundTrap: for those experiencing any confusion, please click here to see the user guide.

Zoom Audio: Did you know that you can optimize input for musical instruments on Zoom? These settings remove any choppiness/cuts in the audio caused by echo-cancellation and allow for dynamics to not be altered by the software. Visit this website for step-by-step instructions or view the video below.

*Please note that you will need to update Zoom to the latest version.

Do you have an extra laptop, tablet, webcam, microphone, etc. that your family doesn't use anymore and wants to give to another family in need? If so, please fill out this Google form and we will set up a donation to families in need.

Are you in need of a device? Fill out this form here.

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

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.

In our Practice Buddy program, students are paired by age and level as practice accountability partners and penpals. Our students live all over the U.S., as well as in Austria, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, and Romania — and we’re continuing to expand worldwide.

Practice Buddies exchange 2 emails and 2 short practice videos every week. In emails, they’re encouraged to share details from their daily lives (about school; weekly activities; favorite games/movies/TV shows/books; etc). They also explain their practice goals for the week. For example: "This week, my teacher is having me focus on my rhythm. I'm practicing with a metronome and trying different rhythmic combinations. Do you ever practice like this?" 

Practice Buddies support one another, re-digest their lesson material, and learn to give and receive constructive feedback. Students can practice foreign language skills when matched with a Practice Buddy from another country.

This exchange creates more engaged and curious students, especially now, when many children aren't able to partake in in-person music making. Children from different parts of the world build friendships based on mutual support and a love of music. 

The Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF) is a summer music program directed by Kimberly Fisher, Principal Second Violin of The Philadelphia Orchestra, offering student musicians from around the world the unique opportunity to spend up to four weeks immersed in music education and performance training with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.

Our outstanding summer music programs include: private lessons; master classes and faculty recitals with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra; daily orchestra, ensemble and chamber music rehearsals; daily course electives including: conducting, choir, composition, sight reading, music theory, ear training, fiddle music, and jazz ensemble; ample solo performance and competition opportunities; day trips to Ocean City, New Jersey (America’s Favorite Family Beach Resort), Philadelphia’s Mann Music Center for a Philadelphia Orchestra outdoor concert, and more.

There are six music camp options at PIMF: Symphony Orchestra, Solo Performance Preparation, Piano Studies, Chamber Music Intensive, College Audition Preparation, and Solo Intensive Programs at Music House International (a summer music program for college students and young professionals).