Sacramento Youth Symphony — A Tradition of Excellence
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Celebrating 70 Years of Musical Excellence in Sacramento · 2025–2026 Auditions Now Open · Members Only Portal
SYS musicians performing on stage
Sacramento Youth Symphony brass section rehearsal
Young musicians in concert performance

Where Young
Musicians Become Artists

Sacramento's foremost orchestral youth organization, developing the region's most gifted young musicians from beginner through pre-professional level under acclaimed conductors.

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Our Mission

Advancing Talent,
Inspiring a Lifelong
Love of Music

As Sacramento's foremost orchestral youth organization, we aspire to become the region's most influential community for the advancement of talent and music appreciation among youth. Now entering our 70th year, the Sacramento Youth Symphony offers orchestral training to young musicians — from fledgling through pre-professional levels — directed by some of the most acclaimed conductors and teachers in the region.

Students learn from talented music educators and conductors, gain exposure to music history and theory, and perform challenging orchestral works in several exciting concerts every year. Depending on their ensemble, they may have the opportunity to tour locally or internationally.

Learn About SYS
Young musician performing with Sacramento Youth Symphony

Orchestras & Ensembles

All Programs
Advanced Level

Premier Orchestra

The flagship ensemble of the Sacramento Youth Symphony, the Premier Orchestra brings together the region's most advanced young string, wind, brass, and percussion players. Students perform full-scale symphonic repertoire under the direction of Conductor Ryan Murray, with opportunities for international touring and concerto solo performances.

Conductor Ryan Murray
Eligibility By audition — intermediate to advanced level
Repertoire Full symphonic works, concertos, and chamber pieces
Audition Requirements
Premier Orchestra performance
Wind & Brass · Percussion

Symphonic Wind Ensemble

A rigorous, audition-based wind band ensemble offering advanced wind, brass, and percussion players the opportunity to study and perform challenging concert band repertoire. Students develop technique, ensemble listening, and musical leadership in a focused small-group setting with dedicated professional instruction.

Focus Wind, brass, and percussion players
Format Weekly rehearsals with semester concerts
Learn More
SYS Wind Ensemble rehearsal
Intermediate Level

Academic Orchestra

The Academic Orchestra is the ideal next step for intermediate string, wind, and brass players ready to experience full orchestral performance for the first time. Students gain foundational ensemble skills, section leadership experience, and the thrill of performing full concerts in front of Sacramento audiences.

Level At least one year of instrument experience
Pathway Entry point to Premier Orchestra
Audition Info
Academic Orchestra rehearsal
Summer · All Levels

Summer Chamber Music Workshop

Founded in 1990 and directed by Claire Tatman, the SYS Summer Chamber Music Workshop offers an intensive week of ensemble playing for young musicians ages 7–19. The program introduces students to chamber music literature and rehearsal techniques through individualized coaching with professional performers, culminating in a public recital.

Ages Week 1: 7–12 · Week 2: 11–19
Director Claire Tatman
Ends With Public recital for all participants
Summer Registration
Summer Chamber Music Workshop
Beginning Strings

Overture Strings

Overture Strings is SYS's entry-level string ensemble, welcoming young violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists at the beginning of their orchestral journey. This program builds foundational string technique, music reading, and ensemble habits that prepare students for a lifetime of musical participation.

Instruments Violin, viola, cello, bass
Pathway Leads directly into Academic Orchestra
Learn About Overture
Overture Strings ensemble
SYS full orchestra on stage

Concert Season 2025–2026

Four Concerts. One Unforgettable Season.

Each year, Sacramento Youth Symphony ensembles take the stage in multiple concerts across the Sacramento region, presenting ambitious and beloved orchestral works to live audiences. From season-opening performances to the Spring Showcase, every concert is a milestone in each student's musical growth — and a gift to the community.

View the Concert Calendar
"
The Sacramento Youth Symphony provided a lot of firsts for me. It was my first experience playing in a full symphony orchestra, my first time as Concertmaster, my first European tour — a truly special and formative time. To this day, certain pieces instantly transport me back to those rehearsals.
Rebecca Corruccini SYS Premier Orchestra Alumni · Professional Violinist
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News & Updates

What's Happening at SYS

Stay current with rehearsal updates, concert announcements, scholarship opportunities, and community news from the Sacramento Youth Symphony.

All News
15 Sep 2025

Announcement

2025–2026 Audition Applications Now Open for All Ensembles

Prospective students auditioning for Premier Orchestra, Academic Orchestra, and Overture Strings can now submit applications online through the member portal.
02 Aug 2025

Concert

Summer Showcase 2025 — Premier Orchestra Season-Closing Concert Recap

More than 400 community members attended the SYS Summer Showcase at the Crest Theatre. Read our full recap of the evening's performances.
18 Jun 2025

Scholarship

Keith Bucher Memorial Horn Scholarship — 2025 Recipients Announced

The SYS Board of Directors is proud to announce this year's recipients of the Keith Bucher Memorial Horn Scholarship, awarded to outstanding horn students demonstrating exceptional musicianship.
10 May 2025

Community

SYS Celebrates 70 Years: A Look Back at Seven Decades of Musical Excellence

As we enter our 70th season, we reflect on the thousands of young musicians who have passed through our rehearsal halls and onto stages around the world.

Support SYS

Help Us Give Every Young Musician a Chance to Soar

For 70 years, the Sacramento Youth Symphony has depended on the generosity of families, alumni, and community members like you. Your gift directly funds scholarships, instrument access, international touring opportunities, and the expert instruction that transforms young people into confident musicians.

Donate Today

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