Our conductors and faculty are among the greatest musicians in our region. Nearly 1,700 students participate in our programs each year, making us the largest youth symphony organization in the United States. Our programs provide a comprehensive and sequential music development process that enables all students to participate and succeed.

During the academic year, SYSO enrolls students in five full orchestras that serve young musicians ranging from beginners to conservatory-level artists capable of handling their own in our flagship orchestra, the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra. During the summer, we produce the Marrowstone Music Festival—a nationally prominent, intensive orchestral and chamber music program—and two sessions of Marrowstone in the City, designed for younger students who want to improve their musical skills over the summer.

Our innovative work with students in local public schools has been emulated around the country. Through SYSO in the Schools, underserved students in ethnically diverse neighborhoods receive weekly in-school music training from the region’s most talented music professionals. As these students progress with their training, they have the opportunity to matriculate into our other programs.

If you love classical music, you should support SYSO because our work makes your passion possible. All great musicians start with a great music education.

SYSO alumni play in every major orchestra in the United States, serving in leadership positions in the major orchestras and opera companies of Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and New York. Our alumni also hold positions around the world—in the leading ensembles of London, Paris, Milan, Hong Kong and Tokyo, among many, many others.

While many of our students study music at the conservatory level, many others choose different career paths. Studies show that a solid music education contributes to higher achievement in life. Our students become the doctors, lawyers, scientists, and teachers of the next generation. They also carry a love for music with them forever. They are the next generation of music patrons, keeping classical music a vital part of our culture.