The Salem Youth Symphony Association (SYSA) offers dedicated young musicians from Salem-Keizer and surrounding communities the experience of studying music in a semi-professional atmosphere. The three levels of orchestra provide an educational opportunity for students who demonstrate advanced musical skills. Quality of musicianship and attention to detail are stressed in the weekly rehearsals, culminating in concerts where the joy of performing music of the great composers is shared with the audience.

The conductors are enthusiastic professional music educators who teach in the Salem-Keizer school district, which was the recipient of the Governor's Arts Award in 2001. Deborah Ward conducts The Amadeus Players, the entry level string ensemble. Both the Philharmonia, conducted by Jon Harris-Clippinger, and the Youth Symphony, the most advanced level conducted by Larry Garrett, are full orchestras with woodwinds, brass, and percussion in addition to strings.

Auditions take place in June and September for Fall term. January auditions enable new members to join for second term. Individual audition sheets are available for each instrument either by calling the SYSA number or downloading the music from this website under the desired orchestra. Home-schooled students are welcome to audition as well public and private school students.

Rehearsals are on Monday or Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm at North Salem High School, corner of D and 14th Streets. The Winter Concert in December and the May Spring Concert are usually performed in the North Salem High School Auditorium. The Musical Enchantment Dessert Concert in early March is an additional performance opportunity for the Youth Symphony members.

Rehearsal Begins September 25