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Dear SDYS Families, 

We are deeply saddened by the recent events in Atlanta and around the country directed at the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. As our SDYS community includes many families in the AAPI community, we wanted to let you know that more than ever, we stand with you and for you. We are dedicated to preserving and advancing our role as a safe space for young people and their families to come together and build a better world through music.

As we move forward, please know that we seek to lift up our AAPI students and families, and to that end we are sharing some resources in support of the AAPI community. SDYS continues to stand in solidarity with efforts to dismantle systemic racism and support those who seek to inspire change.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Michael Remson, President and CEO

Dr. Lauren Rausch, Conservatory Program Manager

Kaitlyn Korogy, Community Program Manager

Kate Battenfeld, ChIMES Program Manager

Congratulations to all our students on their hard work during the second concert period! If you missed the live premiere of the share-out on 3/21, you can view it here.

Please note that the third, and final, concert period begins this weekend. Sheet music is viewable on the Important Links document.

Conservatory Program Manager, Dr. Lauren Rausch, will be on maternity leave starting next week. She will return in June. In her absence, please contact Brenna Casey (bcasey@sdys.org) and Anna Sharp (asharp@sdys.org).

You may also contact the Conservatory team at conservatory@sdys.org or 619-233-3232 x 4.

Registration for the 2021-2022 season is open now through May 7! Auditions will take place via Acceptd. You will receive a link on May 7 to the Acceptd platform where you will have until June 7 to submit your

video audition. Please visit our website here for more information.

Click here to view our COVID-19 Update pertaining to next season.

Almost immediately following the creation of the YLC this summer, its members wanted to find a way to express their solidarity and extend their voices in support of the racial justice movements taking place across the country. The YLC worked for months to create a full-length concert video of music by Black composers. It is the YLC's hope to spread awareness by sharing music of these celebrated, but often excluded Black composers. This concert also includes presentations by members to increase awareness surrounding Black students' and Black musicians' experiences, with the understanding that change begins by learning from and sharing with one another. SDYS is proud to share 'YLC Presents: Works by Black Composers' on Friday, April 9, @ 5:00 pm via YouTube live. Join us to learn and listen to some beautiful music performed by these talented young musicians.

Concert Program: click here

The concert link will be available soon!

We will be having our second solo recital on May 6 & 7! Please note that the original date has been changed. All enrolled SDYS students of any level are encouraged to sign up for this opportunity.

Playing time should be from 30 seconds - 5 minutes maximum. Please dress nicely; concert black is not necessary. Video instructions and the submission link are on the submission page.

Questions? Email conservatory@sdys.org.

Submission deadline: April 13, 2021

Recital release date: May 6, 2021

Virtual SDMA + SDYS Musical Artstops features students who have chosen a work from the SDMA collection that they pair with a piece of music. Check our their performances below!

Justin Wu

Nina Bonaventure

Dasha Zerboni

Alvin Wang

Ava Johnson

Ellie Lee

Saejoon Hong

April 6, 2021 - video coming soon!

David Johnston

Nao Nadahara

Julian Wu

Theresa Pia Tovey

Dasha Zerboni

Archimedes Li

Cynthia Huang

The advanced orchestras at Bernardo Heights Middle School and Twin Peaks Middle School, both conducted by Ms. Reiner, have made it to the semi-finals of The American Prize performing arts competition. Ms. Reiner has also been named a national semi-finalist in the “Conducting – youth and school orchestra” division. You can read more about it here. Kudos, Ms. Reiner!

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR SPRING 2020-21

SmartMusic: please click here to see the user guide.

SoundTrap: please click here to see the user guide.

Zoom Audio: visit this website for step-by-step instructions to optimize Zoom for musical instruments.

Technology Support: please fill out this form if you are experiencing any tech issues. We will reach out to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your commitment to SDYS this past year. As we open registration for next season, we hope to offer clarity and reassure you that SDYS is actively preparing for a safe return to in-person rehearsals in the fall. To do this, either in Balboa Park, or outside the park in another adequate rehearsal space, the following criteria must be met:

According to San Diego County and Parks & Recreation Guidelines:

To ensure the safety of all students, and based on the information currently available, SDYS will enforce the following:

These guidelines are based on the best current information that we have and are subject to change. Thank you for your continued flexibility and patience, and we look forward to you joining us again in the fall! Please visit sdys.org/register for more information.

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