At San Diego Youth Symphony, the Music Doesn’t Stop, It Thrives

submitted by Anji Taylor, San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory

based in San Diego, County of San Diego

In light of recent events with Covid-19, SDYS, like so many other arts organizations, has had to quickly adapt and shift to the changing needs of our students and families. Here are just a few of the ways we are adapting:

The Conservatory program has started online classes, coaching, and lessons to help prepare students both for auditions and for the day that we can all rehearse and perform together again. We’ve held special classes in conducting, music theory and composition as well as special seminars featuring SDYS Alumni and events for our graduating seniors.

The Community Opus Project is continuing to support the Chula Vista Elementary School District, who we partner with to provide in-school and after-school music classes, by providing professional development and partnering with teachers to support their schools' music students with online video and streaming content. Our Collective Composition students are also holding online jam sessions while our Chamber Music students are doing online recording projects.

Our ChIMES (Childhood Introduction to Music Education, with Smiles) team has made videos for families to enjoy at home and we are sending twice-weekly newsletters to help families keep the music going and stay connected at home.

We've also upped our social media game to include more frequent postings on activities such as these, across additional platforms, to help keep our supporters connected.

At SDYS, the music doesn’t stop, it thrives.

Jade Elyssa Rivera