First Performance
1945
On September 6, 1945, founder Leo Scheer conducts the first performance of the “Youth Symphony Orchestra of San Diego City and County” at San Diego High School’s Russ Auditorium.
City Sponsorship
1947
The Youth Symphony Orchestra receives sponsorship from the City of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Department and moves to San Diego’s historic Balboa Park.
The Campiglia Era Begins
1966
San Diego State College music faculty Louis J. Campigila becomes SDYS’ newest conductor. He will remain with SDYS for nearly thirty years.
International Activities
1969
SDYS participates in the world’s first International Youth Symphony festival in San Moritz, Switzerland.
First Expansion
1975
SDYS expands by adding the SDYS Training Orchestra.
Night in Vienna
1980
SDYS begins its celebrated “Night in Vienna” fundraising event. The fundraiser is a great success for many years.
First China Visit
1981
SDYS tours the great wall of China. SDYS’ performance in Shanghai was the first satellite transmission of a cultural broadcast between the USA and China
The Edmons Era Begins
1996
Jeff Edmons succeeds Louis Campiglia as the third Music Director of SDYS. He will remain at SDYS for twenty-five years.
Seeds of Expansion
2008
SDYS is the only youth orchestra selected for the League of American Orchestra’s Institutional Vision Program. Over time, this would lead to the introduction of SDYS Community programs and to a significant diversification of the SDYS student body.
Encore!
2009
SDYS founds “Encore!” its annual scholarship fundraiser. In the last fifteen years, Encore has raised millions in support of student scholarships.
The Opus Project
2010
SDYS launches the Community Opus Project in collaboration with the Chula VIsta Elementary School District
Back to China
2015
SDYS tours to China for its 70th anniversary. By this date, SDYS had undertaken 14 foreign concert tours in 18 countries.
Early Childhood Initiatives
2018
SDYS launches ChIMES, its early childhood program for infants and toddlers and their caregivers. In six years, more than a thousands families are being served annually.
New Leadership
2019
Dr. Michael Remson joins SDYS as President & CEO
75th Anniversary
2020
SDYS celebrates its 75th anniversary. SDYS is now the sixth longest continuously operating youth orchestra in the nation and has twelve orchestras and bands serving beginner to advanced musicians.
Music Discovery
2022
SDYS launches its newest program serving 5-7 year olds.
The Patel Era Begins
2022
Sameer Patel succeeds Jeff Edmons to become our fourth Artistic Director.
KeyNote
2022
KeyNote is launched to reposition the organization as a leader in music education across San Diego County.
