About CYS
 
           
 

Celebrating Our 54th Year

 
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Founded in 1952 the California Youth Symphony has taught thousands of students and includes two full symphony orchestras -- the CYS Orchestra and the CYS Associate Orchestra, as well as a percussion ensemble and six additional groups for younger musicians.

The 2005-2006 membership of the California Youth Symphony includes almost 500 of the greater Bay Area's most promising young musicians ranging in age from 9 to 18 and representing more than 100 elementary, middle and high schools.

The state's first independent youth orchestra, the California Youth Symphony has conducted 14 international summer tours and it is one of the largest and most influential youth symphony organizations in the United States.

The Orchestra's concerts draw thousands of people annually and features a challenging repertoire. Many of the Orchestra's alumni have gone on to pursue solo careers or have joined major orchestras in the United States.

Members are chosen at auditions held each April and membership is open to any musician high school age or younger.

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The CYS Orchestra

    
 

Under the direction of Leo Eylar, the CYS Orchestra is the CYS's most advanced ensemble reserved for outstanding players whose technical level and musicality is highly advanced. The orchestra has established an international reputation for its outstanding performances. The orchestra performs a seven concert series between November and May, plus an annual Holiday Concert in conjunction with other CYS ensembles.

In June 2006 the CYS Orchestra will tour China. Previously they have toured in Italy, Japan, Taiwan and to Central Europe, where CYS won the Grand Prize at the International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna.

The CYS Orchestra has approximately 100 members and rehearses on Sunday afternoons at Almond School in Los Altos. Each August the orchestra retreats to the redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains for its week-long music camp. New members are chosen by audition each May and are drawn from other CYS ensembles and from outside the organization. Membership is limited to musicians of high school age and younger.

The CYS Orchestra rehearses on Sundays from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. from September to May at Almond Elementary School in Los Altos.

An additional six days during the summer (tentative dates: July 31 and August 2, 3, 7, 9, 10) from 6:30 to 9pm) and a week of required summer camp (August 12--19).
The 2004 camp fee was $575.
Membership dues (as of 2004) are $165/quarter.


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The CYS Associate Orchestra

    
 
Under the direction of Leo Eylar, the Associate Orchestra is an intermediate level symphony. This ensemble serves as a wonderful arena for younger, less-experienced musicians to gain incomparable experience in the world of performance and to prepare them for advancement to the CYS. The repertoire is varied and serves as a valuable introduction to the orchestral experience. The CYS Associate Orchestra performs 3-4 concerts per year. Members attend a summer day camp in August.

The CYS Associate Orchestra rehearses on Sundays at Almond Elementary School in Los Altos 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. from September to May.
Program also includes a summer day camp (August 7-11, 10 a.m.--3 p.m.)
The 2005 camp fee was $280.
Membership dues are $140/quarter.


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CYS Percussion Ensemble

   
 

Under the direction of Artie Storch, the CYS Percussion Ensemble is a unique forum for talented musicians through grade 12. Members of the Ensemble study an exciting repertoire and perform in the Ensemble's 2-3 CYS concerts each year and at other music events around the Bay Area. In addition, students learn about and improve their techniques on a variety of percussion instruments. Membership is open to both CYS orchestra and to other musicians.

The CYS Percussion Ensemble rehearses on Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m.
There is no summer camp.
Membership dues are $200 per semester.


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CYS Intermediate and Junior Preparatory String Ensembles

    
 
With Junior and Intermediate levels, the CYS String Preparatory Program provides string music instruction and ensemble experiences for younger musicians and prepares them to advance to the CYS Associate Orchestra.

Under the direction of Kati Kyme, the CYS Intermediate String Ensemble performs 3 concerts per year. The CYS Intermediate String Ensemble rehearses on Sundays from 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
(Group A), 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
(Group B) from September to May at Gunn High School, Palo Alto.

Program also requires a summer day camp (August 7-11 1:30pm--4:00pm).
The 2005 Camp fee was $210.
Membership dues are $120/quarter.

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The CYS Junior String Ensemble rehearses on Sundays from 12:00 to 1:20 p.m. from September to May at Gunn High School, Palo Alto.

Program also requires a summer day camp (August 7-11, 12:00 – 2:30pm).
2004 Camp fee was $210.
Membership dues are $110/quarter.


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Preparatory Flute Ensemble

    
 
Under the direction of Rosita Amador, the CYS Flute Ensemble provides flute instruction for younger players, preparing them to advance to the CYS Associate Orchestra. The group performs two concerts per year.

The CYS Preparatory Flute Ensemble rehearses on Sundays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. from September to May.
No summer camp.
Membership dues are $110/quarter.


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Preparatory Wind Ensembles

    
 
Under the direction of Rosita Amador, the Junior and Intermediate Wind Preparatory Program provides instruction for younger woodwind and brass players, preparing them to advance to the CYS Associate Orchestra. The group performs two concerts per year.

The CYS Preparatory Wind Ensembles (WPII, WPI) rehearse on Sundays.
Wind I (WPI) from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.,
Wind II (WPII) from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m..
No summer camp.
Membership dues are $110/quarter.


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