Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra
Mission
In the conviction that music nourishes the mind, body and spirit of the individual and enriches the community, the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra provides a rigorous and inspiring orchestral experience for young musicians.
History
The Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra is entering its 31st successful season serving nearly 120 student musicians and their families from over forty public and private schools in the Central Valley. Led by a deeply engaged committee and staff, the MSYO attracts the best musicians from area schools and allows them the opportunity to share their gift of music in a challenging and inspiring orchestral setting among their peers from all social, economic, cultural and geographic backgrounds.
The Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra began in 1976 when a dedicated core of string teachers in Stanislaus County formed an orchestra out of a group of junior high student musicians. In 1982, an Irvine Foundation grant provided the seed money for an additional senior high school orchestra. The merging of the two orchestras in 1988 brought great continuity and strength to both.
The MSYO organization continues to maintain two orchestras, now skill based, that include a full complement of wind, brass and percussion players. Both the Symphony Orchestra and the Concert Orchestra give 2 concerts, and an additional joint concert. Both orchestras perform in and around the region. The Concert Orchestra has toured San Francisco, Sacramento and around the Central Valley. The Symphony Orchestra has toured England, France, Japan, Eastern Europe, Canada in the United States including a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and most recently, China.
As a program within the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association, MSYO students enjoy musical interactions with MSO musicians as well as guest artists and Conductors through coachings, masterclasses, rehearsals and concerts.
The MSYO insists that all members contribute their talents to the appropriate school instrumental ensemble, where available. This supports our school music curricula and helps to provide strong leadership and musical role models in the school environment. The strength of the regional school music programs is vital to the future growth and success of the MSYO.
MSYO auditions are held in late spring for the following concert season, and are open to any musician who feels they are qualified. Additional auditions are held throughout the season, as needed.
Download MSYO Handbook (pdf, 115Kb)