The mission of the California Youth Symphony is to provide talented young musicians of high school age and younger with the finest musical experience and the opportunity for personal growth through the rehearsal and performance of symphonic music, as well as to offer the community outstanding musical performances.
The California Youth Symphony was founded in 1952 as one of California's first independent youth orchestras. Over the years it has established a reputation as one of the outstanding youth orchestra programs in the nation and its alumni number in the thousands. Although originally established as a single symphony orchestra, the organization has grown dramatically in recent years in response to the community need for expanded music programs for young people. The California Youth Symphony now offers eight programs, covering all symphonic instruments, for young musicians ages 8 to 18. Total enrollment is about 450. CYS plays a vital role in local music education and has won international awards including first prize at the International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna.
Membership is open to any student of high school age or younger who meets the musical requirements. Auditions are held each year in April.
