When I first started looking at some of the great music programs we have in our local high schools up and down the Peninsula, I had no idea there would be so many external references to the California Youth Symphony (CYS) organization. So, I decided to take a closer look.

The California Youth Symphony has been around since 1952 and it was the state’s first independent youth orchestra. In 1963, it became the first American youth orchestra to tour overseas. Though it is now known as ‘one of the finest of the world’s youth symphonies’, its mission has always been to provide talented young musicians the opportunity to grow through rehearsals and performance of symphonic music at advanced levels.

As worldly as it may be, the CYS’ intense focus has always been here on the San Francisco Peninsula and in the South Bay.

Leo Eylar, CYS’ Music Director for the last 18 years states, “Our program has grown into two full symphony orchestras, as well as preparatory ensembles in both strings and winds. For the finest orchestral experience and training available, the California Youth Symphony continues to lead the way.”

One of the attributes that sets this program apart is that the youth that audition and are accepted into the program have the opportunity to not only travel to foreign countries and perform on international stages such as Austria, the Czech Republic, and Prague, but they also gain the ability to play under some of the world’s greatest conductors such as Japan’s Maestro Hiroyuki Takeda.

Youth also perform to raise funds when tragedy like the earthquake that struck Kobe, Japan happens, learning that the power of music can reach new heights. Being part of the CYS, youth learn the business of music and what an important role it plays in so many lives.

With its ability to travel and perform at international venues, to perform with some of the world’s greatest talent, and play some of the greatest symphonic music ever composed, CYS can offer youth from Bay Area high schools the opportunity to experience music at a level most high schools have not yet achieved.

CYS is always offering our youth the opportunity to audition and become a part of its grandiose productions. The 2011-2012 CYS is entering its 60th season and youth can register online by March 15th to audition. Simply go to www.cys.org/auditions/, read the requirements, and fill out the application. For soloists, they also have the 2011 Young Artist Competition, but youth must register by March 12th online.

CYS has long inspired local high schools to expand on their music programs as well. High schools like Aragon have a music exchange program and send students abroad to not only perform but to learn and exchange musical talent and cultural ideas in regards to their programs.

Music programs are worth supporting and we have much to learn from them.

Playing with other choral groups and symphonies teaches youth that we are all very different culturally, but music brings us together. Now that’s a lesson worth learning!