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@sandiegoyouthsymphony
Today's the day! Thank you for your consideration and support on #GivingTuesday. Your contribution will transform the lives of many young people and help us make music education affordable and accessible for all. Donate $100 today at sdys.org and receive our 2016 live, in-concert SDYS music CD featuring students from our most advanced ensembles!
Less than 24 hours to go until #GivingTuesday. At SDYS, extraordinary things happen on a daily basis.
As students in our conservatory and community music education programs matriculate, they gain not only the training and skills necessary to become musicians but also the discipline and self-confidence required to succeed in ANYTHING they choose to commit to. We share information with organizations beyond San Diego county on the associated benefits of providing music education programs, so they too can implement programs and see increased social and academic achievement, growth in language and attention skills and positive impact on their communities. Help us provide the resources that students need to succeed. Please remember SDYS tomorrow on Giving Tuesday!
SDYS programs are designed to offer students at every level the opportunity to achieve aspirations of personal and artistic excellence. Students inspired by the pursuit of PERSONAL MUSICAL ACHIEVEMENT are transferring the skills that lead them to be successful in music to other aspects of their lives. Our students often reflect on the standards of commitment and levels of musicianship that are expected, and how these encourage them to persevere in all endeavors, from sports to academics. Your support allows SDYS educational components like Music Theory classes, Mentoring Programs and Artist Instructors to thrive and grow. Remember SDYS on Giving Tuesday and donate at sdys.org!
SDYS music education programs are making an impact in San Diego county and beyond. Through STORYTELLING, AWARENESS and ADVOCACY we educate not only our community but also the nation about the value of music programs as we share stories of individual and social change. We curate and distribute content that supports the benefits of music education, and meet with policy makers to influence decisions that support music education. We speak locally, regionally and nationally on the success and structure of our programs, as well as host conference to share our success with others looking to replicate our model. Your generous support ensures that we continue to spread the message of making music education affordable and accessible for all. Donate on Giving Tuesday at sdys.org!
A key element of our work at SDYS is documenting evidence of the benefits of music education. Through RESEARCH, MEASUREMENT and EVALUATION we gain results that validate our efforts. Studies are currently underway that track the social and academic achievements of our students in comparison to non-music students, and examine how music affects the physical development of the brain, language and attention span. Our research extends to evaluating the affect of El Sistema-inspired programs and demonstrating how inclusion in instrumental music programs increases school engagement for middle school students at risk of failing. Donate on Giving Tuesday at sdys.org!
SDYS opens pathways and aligns resources to ensure access to music education for all children. We share knowledge and practices while collaborating with schools to restore and strengthen music programs throughout the community. Help is provided to students in the form of needs-based scholarships and instrument loans, and our Baby and Me early exposure music classes get children started on a path of music education early. After-school programs provide additional opportunities for music education engagement. These are just some of the ways that we’re providing PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY ACCESS to music education in San Diego County and beyond. Please remember us on Giving Tuesday by donating at sdys.org!
AT SDYS we concentrate on four focus areas as we strive toward our vision of making music education accessible and affordable for all. Our tiered Music Education Programs, Music Theory Classes, Sponsored Private Lessons and Concerto Competitions are just some of the ways in which we offer students the opportunity to attain PERSONAL MUSICAL ACHIEVEMENT and support their aspirations of personal and artistic excellence. Your donations make all the difference - please remember us on Giving Tuesday by donating at sdys.org!
Please remember SDYS on Giving Tuesday and help us make music education affordable and accessible for all!
Over the three week International Youth Symphony (IYS) program, students were able to step away from rehearsals and concerts and explore the city of San Diego. Even for native San Diegans, the events and cultural landmarks were fascinating.
A day at Sea World (middle Left picture) was the first opportunity to explore San Diego attraction. By the end of the day, the group was enjoying shows and rides together. The big Atlantis roller-coaster ride allowed everyone to let out a big scream.
At the La Jolla Music Society’s Summerfest at the La Jolla Cove, IYS musicians enjoyed playing classical pieces followed by an opportunity to listen and talk with a progressive pop/rock violin and bass instrumental group (middle right picture). This was an eye opening experience as it showed alternative directions musicians explore.
A tour of the U.S.S Midway allowed students to see the living conditions, laundry facilities, kitchen area, flight deck, and the strategy room. The experience left us in awe of the sheer size of this ship that functions like a city on the water (bottom pictures).
Who doesn’t like a little time to shop. IYS students enjoyed bargain hunting at the Las Americas Outlet Malls in San Isidro (top left picture). As students shopped, it was intriguing to see the proximity of San Diego to Mexico with the Mexican flag peeping over the border fence.
Watching the sun set followed by a beach bonfire with S’mores and the Sea World fireworks in the distance left IYS musicians with a true understanding of an activity that epitomizes San Diego (upper right).
Soccer on the grass was a great time to reflect how tight the group had become as we all were shouting each others names as we made passes and scored goals. It was clear that the friends and memories made through IYS will last a lifetime! We are all thankful for social media so we can stay connected and meet again at later times in our lives.
Mr. Gary McElroy provides an inspiring glimpse into the lifelong impact of playing music from one generation to the next.
Mr. McElroy has been involved with the Rotary Youth Music Exchange Program for twelve years. He links his initial interest in engaging with youth and music to his own time as a musician in his high school band.
Mr. McElroy continues to be fascinated with how music can cross international borders and allow for instant bonds of friendship and connection. Through the years Mr. McElroy and his Rotary colleagues marvel at how IYS students bond within the first week, if not days, of being together.
July 17, 2016 kicked off the first day of the 12th annual International Youth Symphony sponsored by SDYS and the SD Rotary Club. Students representing 12 different countries from around the world met and through the common bond of music began developing lifelong friendships. Conversations abounded with discussions about each student’s favorite classical composer and anticipated repertoire that Mr. Edmons, IYS conductor, might choose for this season.
Throughout our practices, Mr. Jeff Edmons emphasized rigorous attention to detail, musicality, and a unified sound with the balance of relaxing during rehearsal breaks and getting to know one another.
Within a short time, the IYS musicians found a grassy spot by the Botanical Gardens to have lunch. During many of our lunches we sat in a big circle which felt both inclusive, fun and as I stepped back and looked from afar – like the United Nations. This year, IYS has musicians from Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, USA, Canada, Spain, Czech Republic, Russia and many more. The entire orchestra sat in a large circle eating lunch together, not worrying about where each student had come from or who they were, but as a unified group of musicians all sharing the same passion for the classical art form.
As our musical understanding of each piece increased, the friendships between each student increased as well. By the first rehearsal (upper left), each student had made a connection with their section mates. During the Angels’ Angels gathering (upper right), IYS students decided to walk to different members and converse with them about the organization and thank members of the Angels’ Angels community for supporting youth pursuing music through community orchestras.
During rehearsal breaks students explored the beauty of Balboa Park (bottom left), while some stayed indoors and bonded over an intense game of cards (bottom right). Thus far, through music rehearsals, rehearsal breaks, events with IYS sponsors and seeing San Diego attractions the orchestra has matured both musically and emotionally to become a large family… and the second week of camp isn’t even over yet!
Mr. Gary McElroy provides an inspiring glimpse into the lifelong impact of playing music from one generation to the next.
Mr. McElroy has been involved with the Rotary Youth Music Exchange Program for twelve years. He links his initial interest in engaging with youth and music to his own time as a musician in his high school band.
Mr. McElroy continues to be fascinated with how music can cross international borders and allow for instant bonds of friendship and connection. Through the years Mr. McElroy and his Rotary colleagues marvel at how IYS students bond within the first week, if not days, of being together.
Two SDYS Musicians join the National Youth Orchestra
We are excited to announce that two of our advanced students, Jay Shankar and Jamie Pfauth, have been invited to join the National Youth Orchestra this summer.
Jamie Pfauth, French Horn
“I am so honored to have been accepted into NYO-USA! When I found out I was accepted, I couldn’t believe it. I have dreamed of being a part of this group for years. My dad always told me I would play in Carnegie Hall one day, but I don’t think either of us was expecting this! Besides playing in Carnegie Hall, I have also wanted to tour Europe for as long as I can remember. Not only will I get the chance to tour Europe, but I will do so with some of the best musicians my age in the country! It is a huge honor. I thank God, my parents, and my friends for always supporting me. I can’t wait to meet the rest of the orchestra and share with them the experience of a lifetime.”
Jay Shankar, Clarinet
“When I received the email from Carnegie Hall about my acceptance, I was very surprised and honored. I had completely forgotten about my application as I sent it in during late fall last year and did not expect to get in due the the other applicants of high quality. I was in the middle of warming up for my college audition at Eastman when I read the letter and immediately I called both my parents to tell them about the good news and they immediately congratulated me. At this point, I started to relax and wasn't as nervous about my upcoming audition. I am eagerly looking forward to participate in this unique opportunity because of all the people who will be involved. I will spend an entire month with people who are just as passionate about music as I am. In addition, I can't wait to study under the legendary conductors Valerie Gergiev and Christoph Eschenbach and perform with pianists Emmanuel Ax and Denis Matsuev. It will be a wonderful experience to learn and then tour Europe!”
Each summer, Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute brings together the brightest young players from across the country to form the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America. Following a two-week training residency with leading professional orchestra musicians, these musicians not only have the opportunity to play on the famed stage of Carnegie Hall but then embark on a European tour that takes them to Amsterdam, Montpellier, Copenhagen, and Prague, led by conductor Valery Gergiev and with pianist Denis Matsuev, performing music by Debussy, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev.
More information about the National Youth Orchestra here.
SupportMusic Community Forum: Dalouge Smith, Keynote Speaker
SupportMusic Community Forum: Dalouge Smith, Keynote Speaker:
SDYS President & CEO Dalouge Smith was invited as the keynote speaker at the National Association of Making Music's San Diego SupportMusic Community Forum. Watch his keynote speech online from 37:50. Or read it here:
Thank you Mary, and thank you to the NAMM Foundation and John Lennon Educational Tour Bus for this opportunity.
Education in the United States is evolving quickly. The adoption of the Every Student Succeeds Act codified changes that have been taking root in schools and districts moving past standardized tests as their only accountability mechanism.
The most dynamic of these districts aren’t satisfied with seeing music and arts education offered only at schools with affluent students. Leaders in these districts, including San Diego Unified, know the imperative of equitable access to learning in the arts.
A growing body of research confirms the cognitive, emotional, and academic benefits of music education for child. It is simply no longer reasonable or justifiable to withhold music and arts education from children in our schools.
However, the desire to provide arts education on the part of school leaders does not always translate into the capacity or even the know how to make it happen. In California, the curriculum contraction that began in the early 2000s along with cycles of budget cuts, reduced arts education infrastructure, and diminished teacher training pipelines have left our state’s education field unprepared for a rapid restoration of the arts in schools.
As a large urban school district, San Diego Unified still retains the heart of its VAPA infrastructure. This is not the case in numerous smaller school districts across California and the country. We must recognize school districts need community support to reconstitute their capacity to provide sequential standards based visual and performing arts for all students.
At San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory, we’ve spent five years refining a new and impactful school district/nonprofit partnership model. In our collaboration with Chula Vista Elementary School District, California’s largest K-6 system with nearly 30,000 children, we’ve played multiple roles. Through it all, we’ve been a committed and trusting partner building up the district’s own capacity.
When we started in 2010, CVESD had been without full time music teachers for 10 years and without a district level VAPA specialist for 20. We launched our after school music program for 65 3rd graders with the aim of inspiring restoration of music education across the entire district. We didn’t know we would need to pilot school day music to make way for full time music teachers, nor that the district would need us to temporarily serve as its music specialist as it began returning music system wide.
Five years later, our modest investment in an after school music program has leveraged $15 million over three years from the CVESD School Board to put music and arts education on every one of its campuses. With the hiring of 70 credentialed VAPA teachers since June, every student in the district receives weekly instruction in the arts. Vh1 Save the Music Foundation now partners with CVESD to place musical instruments on its campuses. Sweetwater Union High School District where nearly all of these elementary students will matriculate is in the midst of a VAPA Strategic Planning process because, as they say, an El Nino of arts education is coming their way.
We live in an open source world where the most effective work is done in collaboration and without a singular owner. At SDYS, we believe this is the path for all of us who strive to fulfill the vision of arts education for all children. Children in every corner of the United States are depending on us to use the spirit of generosity in our combined efforts.
If we, the champions of music and arts education, don’t collaborate effectively within the new shape of education, we will miss this incredible opportunity to be part of the redesign of learning in America. More consequentially, we risk another generation of children going through school without learning the artistic languages that open them up to the rewards of a life rich with beauty.
Let’s work together to guarantee every child has access to the same kind of life each and everyone of us has found so meaningful and fulfilling because of our own experience learning in the arts.
Thank you.
Learn more about SDYS’ successful community programs at www.sdys.org/community.
Spotlight Series Interview: Mark Liu
SDYS Musician from 1996-1997
What did you do after SDYS?
I studied Music Education at Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. After that, I received a master’s degree in music from Northwestern and a second master’s degree in educational leadership from Aurora University. I am currently a doctoral candidate of music at Boston University. I have been teaching high school orchestra in a school district in the Chicago area for over 14 years.
What are you up to now? I am pursuing my doctorate in music education from Boston University with an emphasis on student motivation. I am also currently serving as the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra Chair. I have presented several times at the state conference on topics related to teaching, methods, and rehearsal techniques. I have also had many opportunities to guest conduct and judge at honor music festivals.
How has music influenced you? Music has shaped me to be the person that I am today. From my music discipline I have learned to appreciate the finer details in life and in everything I do. I have learned that nothing comes easy, and that the sense of pride and accomplishment you receive from hard work and persistence are the greatest source of self-esteem and positive outlook on life. From my study of music I have learned creative thinking and problem solving skills, verbal and non-verbal communication skills. I have gained patience and found ways to express my emotions completely and healthily. Most importantly, I have gained appreciation for humanity, culture, and arts, all of which give me the strength to face any dark and trying moments that may come my way as an adult.
Tell us about the China Tour. What was your favorite moment? What can I say? It was life-changing for me. I am still in disbelief that Music Director Jeff Edmons invited me to be a part of the experience. The performances were definitely my favorite part of the tour. It was great to share and celebrate music with so many different “generations” of SDYS together on three amazing stages in China! The friendships formed or rekindled will always have a special place in my heart.
What did you take away from the China Tour? I am incredibly impressed with how SDYS has grown over the years in terms of music quality, musical opportunity offerings, and prominence to the people of San Diego and southern California; it truly has blossomed into a giant music hub for intense musical training and music education advocacy. Also, it was great having my mother on the trip with me. She was (and still is) a huge fan of the youth symphony and Jeff Edmons’ work. I am glad that she had the opportunity to participate.
What friendships have you maintained to this day with fellow SDYS musicians? I actually have not been able to maintain any on a regular basis since I left SDYS because I only started my senior year in high school (‘96-’97), and I moved to Illinois shortly after that. However, I have run into former SDYS musicians randomly from time to time, and we could always chat up a storm sharing our SDYS memories.
Are you an SDYS alum? Join the Alumni Association at www.sdys.org/alumni.
Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday! Consider using this image for an UNselfie telling your friends why you ♥ San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory!
#GivingTuesday Countdown TWO
“MAKING MUSIC EDUCATION ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE FOR ALL”
During the 20-year tenure of Music Director Jeff Edmons and 10-year tenure of President and CEO Dalouge Smith, SDYS' programs have grown from one advanced orchestra of 60 students to over 600 participating in 12 orchestral and wind ensembles at the advanced, intermediate and introductory levels. Every musician who auditions is given a place in our programs and both merit and financial aid scholarships are available to those who enroll.
Today, our Community Opus Project and other community outreach programs reach hundreds more students across the San Diego county. The youth symphony strives to “make music education accessible and affordable for all” and is one of the leaders in the national cause for music education.
Hear our story from SDYS President and CEO Dalouge Smith at the TEDxSanDiego last month:
Give to the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory here.