Youth Organization San Jose Near Me

Yee Do: SJYS is a VERY WELL ORGANIZED non-profit group with various ensembles that surely meet your child’s skill level! As a parent of 2 young musicians and a volunteer, I see firsthand the dedication and progression in ALL the kids’ skill levels. It is a joy to see them thrive! SJYS leadership is strong and committed to create not only a positive experience for the young musicians but also to a local community. I can unequivocally say that SJYS is an organization that operates with INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, and TRANSPARENCY!

Esther Perez: Excellent place especially for young people.ART. 👩🏿‍🎤🎶📯🎷🎻🎺🎸🎶

Angélica M: The passion and dedication of this organization can be seen in the performance of the kids. I hope more kids can access to this organization.

Alyssa Stegall: SJYS gave me an experience that I'll cherish forever. Between the weekly rehearsals, 2 years of collaborating with the Los Gatos Ballet in a full production of the Nutcracker, 6 summer camps, and two international tours, I made some of my closest friends to this day through SJYS.Sure, you might be able to find another orchestra that also plays fantastic music and has good conductors. But I guarantee you won't ever be able to find an organization with people who care so much about not only your growth as a musician, but as a person.If you truly need a "negative", it would be the fact that since joining, no other orchestral experience I've had seems to compare to what I got through SJYS.At the end of the day, like anything else, SJYS will be what you make of it, but I believe you should give it a chance. I whole-heartedly encourage anyone with even the slightest interest in orchestra to join without any reservation.

Tzelzin Hernandez: They keep roping me into going on tour, working at camp, or subbing at rehearsals. We are a family, and that’s why I can’t stop coming back. I owe my best memories and friendships to my time with this organization. Plus, we play awesome music. And, Yair is cool too 3

Tina Fey: Both of our children have been members of SJYS, from the beginning Prelude Ensemble to the Philharmonic Orchestra. This has been a wonderful organization to be a part of every step of the way. Our children developed a very well rounded set of musical skills, having the opportunity to participate in a variety of opportunities such as chamber groups, solos, symphonic groups, international performances, teaching and coaching younger SJYS members, and concerto competitions. The entire staff is very dedicated to the members’ success and growth.

Nancy Allen Naroff: Our journey with the SJYS Family began in 2003 when after much research for the finest youth symphony in the Silicon Valley/Bay Area, we chose SJYS. Best decision of our lives.From a very young age, the students are given an impressive music education including discipline and teamwork skills, and respect for themselves and others, all the while creating music and making magic in a group setting.The tone of SJYS, set by its esteemed, long time Music Director Yair Samet, is one of serious music preparation combined with encouragement, competition, fun and hard work.After beginning in the all important preparatory groups, both of my children toured South America with The Philharmonic Orchestra and shortly thereafter, decided to pursue music professionally, graduating with music degrees from New York University and Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music, respectively.SJYS is where students become better musicians and team players, and learn to be sensitive, happy, empathic humans too.Thank you SJYS, Yair Samet and Shoko Michael for all you do!

Bryan Sun: , the community is what really makes it stand out. Everyone I ever interacted with there – the 7+ stand partners I had, the people in other sections who I didn't know, the conductor

Kimie Lewis: Super grateful for my time at SJYS. I played there for about 3 years and made so many great memories on tour and in rehearsal. It helped me grow as a musician and a person, and I now have lasting friendships that came from the SJYS community!

Sean Lao: I was grateful to have been a member of the San Jose Youth Symphony for about 8 years. During this time, I had been grateful to have met some of the most amazing musicians, play under four amazing conductors, and tour across Europe! San Jose Youth Symphony has definitely shaped me into the person I am today and I wouldn't trade the experience I had for the world. I urge any person in the Bay Area who is passionate about music to audition and take advantage of such an amazing organization!

Don Betterley: Our son Gavin, French horn, had a superb & rewarding experience with SJYS a few years ago, fabulous international trip to eastern Europe performing in famous concert venues, tremendous experience with a talented conductor, preparing him to go one to a successful college career with full scholarships, then Masters of Horn Performance, most valuable brass musician, and positions with ballet orchestras & SOs ! Thanks Yair !!

Ping Hsieh: I started crying and left my first SJYS rehearsal after I was handed a tambourine and some Rossini music rip c: But Yair and Shoko made sure not to kill my confidence and supported me from a beginner in SJYS's percussion ensemble to principal percussionist on the Phil's '17 Europe tour. We did hella fun pieces like Scheherazade, both Romeo and Juliets, and Malcom Arnold's A Grand, Grand Overture aka the vacuum cleaner cleaner cream pie rifle piece. The annual holiday concert at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown SJ every December is always super fun too. Met some wonderful musicians and friends during my time in SJYS, and there wasn't a concert or rehearsal where I didn't have fun.

Tami Ozubko: My son joined San Jose Youth Symphony about three years ago. His experience there has provided him the opportunity to gain confidence, mature, work hard, and grow as a musician. They always practice and perform high quality music and are directed by a professional, very qualified conductor. The executive director and staff are amazing, too. The Philharmonic group travels internationally every other year which has been a highlight for my son. He was also able to perform in The Nutcracker at the Flint Center. The yearly summer camp has also been a highlight! When the group performs it’s a complete joy to watch. The kids are confident and proud of their hard work. If you close your eyes and listen, you would believe that you were listening to an adult symphony. They always sound amazing! Family and friends are always impressed after a concert. I highly recommend SJYS to anyone interested in a high quality music experience for their child. They’re the absolute best in the Bay Area!

Vicki Neil: SJYS not only makes beautiful music, it expands the horizons of its youth members. I have always been proud to invite my friends to my children’s concerts because the music is amazing. As an added bonus, my kids have made amazing friends with other talented musicians, some of whom have ended up at elite conservatories. It is the perfect extracurricular whether the student just needs a performance experience, or they are headed for a musical career.

William Gu: I was a member of San Jose Youth Symphony for 6 years, from Concert Orchestra, to Chamber Orchestra, and finally as principal cellist of the Philharmonic Orchestra. I am extremely grateful to SJYS for giving me the opportunity to advance my musical and leadership abilities, which culminated in three successful international tours to Europe and South America, as well as the opportunity for me to solo alongside the Philharmonic Orchestra in the 2019 Argentina and Uruguay tour. SJYS made me the musician I am today, and I welcome any musician in the Bay Area to audition and join this amazing family.

Emily Huie: SJYS has provided me opportunities unlike any other. In my time at SJYS as a member of the Philharmonic Orchestra, I was able to become a better musician, develop my discipline, and confidence as a person. I will always be grateful for my time with the organization and the chance to play with some amazing people. The orchestra is rigorous, challenging, and brings joy to the community it serves as well as for the members within the orchestra. Yair Samet fosters an encouraging environment that inspires young musicians to always strive to be better and most importantly develop great appreciation and love for music. Every mentor in SJYS plays an incredible role in teaching students. I highly recommend SJYS to any young musician because this is a community that will help you feel your true passion for music and you will feel supported during your time in the orchestra. If you are someone that puts in effort, shows up bringing 100%, and has strong work ethic, you will thrive in SJYS and SJYS will welcome you.

Grace Yang: , I also made lifelong friends / memories. SJYS cares for all its members, and on top of it all, you learn so much during rehearsals, sectionals, summer camps, and more. Being a part of this organization genuinely feels like you’re a part of a large family. Oh! Did I mention the annual Holiday concerts? My family has been attending these concerts for over 23 years, and it always ends up being one of the greatest highlights of our year.Thanks SJYS!

Martha Espitia- Irazabal: San Jose Youth Symphony is an excellent organization! I have two musicians who have participated in this organization, my elder son has been a member for several years and he has have the opportunity to be in Jazz Ensemble, Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestra. My younger son has been in Concert and Chamber Orchestra. My sons love SJYS. Summer camps are a great experience for the musicians as well! I do recommend SJYS to those parents who wants to support their kids with music. Yair Samet is great conductor and Shoko is an amazing executive director, she make sure that all the students are in track and provides a great and permanent communications to the parents. During Covid-19 and under challenging circumstances, SJYS continues supporting to all the students with the same level of professionalism. I give to this Organization more than 5 stars!