San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory

==San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory (SDYS)==\n\nThe '''San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory (SDYS)''' is a distinguished organization with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1945 by conductor Leo Scheer. With the vision of providing young San Diegans the opportunity to express themselves through music, SDYS has grown substantially over the past 75 years. It is now recognized as San Diego's most comprehensive provider of cradle-to-college music education programming and a national leader in innovative community outreach.\n\n===Mission===\nSDYS is dedicated to instilling excellence in musical achievement and personal growth through rigorous and inspiring music education experiences. The organization believes in the transformative power of music as a vehicle for social, emotional, and academic development, preparing young people for a future in a 21st-century workforce.\n\n===Values===\nSDYS operates with a strong commitment to its core values of commitment, creativity, equity, collaboration, and service. These values guide the organization's work with young musicians across San Diego County.\n\n===History===\nAs the sixth oldest continuously operating youth symphony in the United States, SDYS has a storied past. Starting as a single orchestra, it now offers a multitude of programs for students aged six weeks to 22 years from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Over the years, SDYS students have performed in thirteen international concert tours across eighteen countries and have been part of the unique Rotary-sponsored International Youth Symphony program.\n\nIn the 1990s, SDYS expanded its reach by starting an extensive tuition assistance program, ensuring that no student is turned away due to financial circumstances. This initiative was part of a broader effort to diversify its student population and make music education accessible to all.\n\nA significant milestone was reached when SDYS launched the Community Opus Project in 2010, in partnership with the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). This project was inspired by Venezuela's El Sistema youth orchestra programs and aimed to demonstrate the benefits of music education in public schools. The success of the Opus Project led to the reinstatement of arts education for all 30,000 students in CVESD after a 15-year hiatus.\n\nUnder the leadership of President and CEO Dr. Michael Remson, SDYS began a new phase of growth in 2019. Dr. Remson's focus has been on creating a strategic alignment between conservatory and community programs, enriching the experience for students in Balboa Park, and replicating the success of the Opus model with other schools and districts.\n\n===Programs and Outreach===\nSDYS offers a wide range of programs, including multiple levels of orchestras and ensembles, early childhood music curriculum, and community-based music programs. It also provides a variety of support services such as instrument loans, sponsored lessons, and parent engagement strategies. SDYS' commitment to equity is evident through its tuition assistance programs and the provision of free music education to families in need.\n\n===Conclusion===\nThe San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory continues to be a beacon of musical excellence and educational opportunity, enriching the lives of thousands of young musicians and their families each year. Its dedication to accessibility, diversity, and community engagement makes it a model for music education organizations nationwide.