Symphony alumni will play alongside the youth symphony at the upcoming concert. Photo courtesy of SLO Symphony
The list of positive impacts linked to children playing musical instruments is a long one that includes an understanding of and appreciation for the arts as well as improved focus and attention span, critical listening, discipline, patience and perseverance. For six decades young people from 8 to 18-years-old have taken the challenge and joined what is now known as the San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony (SLOYS)
It all began in 1965 when a passionate music educator named Dr. Wachtang “Botso” Korisheli gathered a small group of young musicians with a dream: to create a youth orchestra on the Central Coast. In 2006, the group merged with the SLO Symphony where it continues to operate along with the other music education programs including the Music Van, Strings in the Schools, and California Mission Music Strings Quartet presentations.
“Playing music with others is a completely different experience than playing by yourself, said Academy String Orchestra Conductor Tanya Streder. “You learn to listen to other musical lines, be cooperative with other musicians, and gain confidence as you improve your skills next to a friend who is improving theirs.”
SLOYS now instructs more than 100 students from beginning to advanced levels and boasts four ensembles. Concert Orchestra is the advanced full orchestra conducted by Chris Woodruff, who is also the Cal Poly Director of Bands. The Intermediate Winds ensemble is conducted by Al Streder. Academy Strings, for the intermediate strings group, is conducted by Tanya Streder. Preparatory Strings is for beginning strings and is conducted by Grace Seng.
The current roster includes students from SLO, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, Santa Maria, Orcutt, Los Osos, Cayucos, Atascadero and Paso Robles.
The experience goes beyond practicing and performing.
“Our students meet kids from other schools and other cities and make friends that they would never have met otherwise,” said Streder. “They are exposed to musical styles that are brand new to them and learn to play them. They stretch their performance skills in real concert halls instead of school gyms.”
SLOYS will celebrate their diamond anniversary with a performance that showcases their skills and dedication on May 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cuesta College.
For the 60th Anniversary Finale Concert, SLOYS is inviting alumni from any decade to return to the stage and perform with current orchestra members. The performance offers a wide range of music from classical Haydn to the Beatles to a piece composed in 2024.
“Bringing together current students with alumni is a powerful way to celebrate the legacy and future of this incredible program,” said Seng, who is also the education manager for the SLO Symphony as well as a violinist with the orchestra. “We want to give our alumni the chance to relive the magic and to show our current students what it looks like to carry that love of music throughout a lifetime.”
That love of music has turned into professional playing in many cases. Former Youth Symphony musicians have gone on to work with the Hamburg State Opera, L.A. Philharmonic, Berkeley Symphony, and Hague Netherlands Bach Society. A number of student alumni now perform with the SLO Symphony including Principal Timpani John Astaire, Principal Horn Jennifer Galvan, English Horn Heidi Butterfield-Yi, and many string players.
SLOYS also performed side-by-side with the Cal Poly Symphony earlier this year and with the SLO Symphony last season. Other ensembles performed at SLO Ranch Market and Cuesta Rosa senior home in SLO. Over the years, they have taken trips to perform at Disneyland, Universal Studios and traveled to farther destinations including Germany, Chicago, and Alaska.
As for the May 19 performance, the four ensembles will perform a wide range of music and graduating seniors will be recognized.
“Every spring, we invite new music students as part of our Spring Celebration program to try out playing a few songs with our ensembles for free,” Seng said. “Many of these students decide to audition in the fall and join the program.”
Tickets ($15) and alumni registration are at bit.ly/4iNH8j8.
With tuition assistance and scholarships available, SLOYS remains committed to making music education accessible to all. For more information on tickets, alumni participation, or student registration, go to slosymphony.org or contact grace@slosymphony.org.
The SLO Youth Symphony rehearses Mondays at Laguna Middle School for one to two hours sessions. Tuition is $650 per year and scholarships are available. All Symphony programs are funded via donations. Auditions are in August, and all will make it into one of the ensembles based on skill level.
In other SLO Symphony News
Symphony in Bloom takes place May 10 at the Performing Arts Center Plaza in San Luis Obispo on Cal Poly campus. This signature event includes fine wine, a chance to bid on exclusive auction items, and a gourmet dinner.
Folks can also enjoy the Season Finale Concert – listening to the powerful “Classics V: Elgar’s Cello Concerto,” featuring world-renowned cellist Amit Peled, in Harold Miossi Hall starting at 7:30 p.m.
“This isn’t just a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of the power of music and the incredible community that keeps the arts thriving in San Luis Obispo,” SLO Symphony Executive Director Rachel Sabalboro said. “Symphony in Bloom is an opportunity to experience the joy of live music, connect with fellow supporters, and make a real impact on the future of our symphony.”
Symphony in Bloom tickets ($150) and event details are available at slosymphony.org where tickets ($72) are also available for “Classics V: Elgar’s Cello Concerto.” Tickets can be purchased separately at a special discounted rate for “Symphony in Bloom” guests at slosymphony.org. Proceeds from the annual celebration and season finale concert benefit the SLO Symphony
