Golden State Youth Orchestra

The Golden State Youth Orchestra (GSYO), formerly known as El Camino Youth Symphony, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been fostering musical education and excellence among young musicians since its inception in 1963. Founded by William Galbraith, a visionary violinist and music educator, the GSYO was established to provide aspiring youth musicians the opportunity to engage with challenging professional repertoire and to perform at a high level. Under the baton of its first music director, William Galbraith, the orchestra quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to musical quality and education. Over the years, the GSYO has been led by a series of distinguished music directors, including Dr. Camila Kolchinsky and most recently, Dr. Yun Song Tay, who took over as Music Director and Conductor of the Senior Symphony and Camilla Kolchinsky Orchestra in 2022. The rebranding of the organization from El Camino Youth Symphony to Golden State Youth Orchestra in 2018 was a strategic move to better represent the ensemble's Californian identity and to clarify its national and international presence, particularly during tours. The name "Golden State" is synonymous with California, and the change was aimed at showcasing the strength and value the orchestra brings to its students. GSYO is celebrated for its diverse and extensive range of ensembles, which cater to over 450 K-12 students from more than 100 schools spanning from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. The orchestra's programs include the Symphony Orchestra, Camilla Kolchinsky Orchestra, El Camino Wind Orchestra, Galbraith Honor Strings, Camerata Orchestra, Chamber Players Orchestra, and the Summer Conservatory. These ensembles offer a vibrant repertoire and provide young musicians with opportunities for personal and artistic growth through concerts, tours, retreats, summer workshops, masterclasses, and music festivals. The organization is committed to making music accessible to all, with a focus on reaching underserved youth, families, and seniors through performance and ticket outreach programs. GSYO's dedication to music education and excellence is underscored by its two core principles: nurturing young musicians from culturally diverse backgrounds and encouraging an appreciation for music, as well as providing high-quality performance opportunities for the youth and the community. Throughout its history, GSYO has invited guest artists of international stature to perform with its ensembles, including concertmasters and principal players from major symphony orchestras. These collaborations, along with mentoring and coaching from professional musicians and conductors, enrich the educational experience for GSYO participants. In addition to its educational and performance programs, GSYO offers scholarships to students demonstrating financial need and engages in outreach and educational initiatives to bring music to the wider community. The organization is supported by a network of sponsors, community partners, and a dedicated board, ensuring the continued success and impact of its mission. The Golden State Youth Orchestra continues to be a beacon of musical learning and excellence, shaping the next generation of musicians and upholding its motto: "We are the music of the future."