Youth Leadership Program

SYSO’s Youth Leadership Program (YLP) is an initiative designed to uplift the SYSO student experience by offering leadership opportunities across programs. YLP seeks to amplify students’ impact in SYSO, their schools, and beyond, and create a way for student voices to be directly involved in shaping the SYSO experience.

This program is a new to SYSO, kicking off in our 2024-25 season! Below are the Youth Leadership Program initiatives open to students enrolled in SYSO’s music programs. We’re excited to see how these programs grow and build a more vibrant, engaged SYSO community!

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

The Student Representative program empowers SYSO students to participate in shaping SYSO’s future. By acting as the voice of their peers, Representatives ensure their program’s perspectives are heard and valued by the organization. They meet as a group with SYSO staff to share insights and opinions, playing a crucial role in guiding SYSO’s practices in the long term.

Student Representatives are selected through an application process at the beginning of the academic year. A great Student Representative is a good communicator, excited about creating community, and building a better SYSO for future students.

MENTORSHIP

The Mentorship program strengthens the SYSO community by fostering meaningful connections in the SYSO orchestras and promoting mentorship among students. This collaborative environment nurtures a sense of responsibility, support, and belonging, helping students at every level to build confidence, refine their musical abilities, and contribute to the vibrant SYSO community.

Mentorship takes many forms at SYSO, including Junior and Youth orchestra members selected through applications to mentor Prelude orchestra members; ad hoc coaching and mentorship between older and younger MY Southeast students; and internships at SYSO Summer Music that play a crucial role in the success of the camp.

SYSO IN THE COMMUNITY

SYSO in the Community offers students the opportunity to engage and give back to the community together, beyond the music stand. By working on service projects, students will strengthen bonds and gain a deeper understanding of community engagement. These experiences will extend their leadership beyond music, allowing them to contribute to meaningful causes and develop a greater sense of responsibility.

Examples of SYSO in the Community efforts include instrument petting zoos at community concerts, giving families the opportunity to interact directly with instruments, and group community service projects in partnership with other local charitable organizations.