San Jose Youth Symphony - San Jose, California

Ping H.

I started crying and left my first SJYS rehearsal after I was handed a tambourine and some Rossini music rip c: But Yair and Shoko made sure not to kill my confidence and supported me from a beginner in SJYS's percussion ensemble to principal percussionist on the Phil's '17 Europe tour. We did hella fun pieces like Scheherazade, both Romeo and Juliets, and Malcom Arnold's A Grand, Grand Overture aka the vacuum cleaner cleaner cream pie rifle piece. The annual holiday concert at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown SJ every December is always super fun too. Met some wonderful musicians and friends during my time in SJYS, and there wasn't a concert or rehearsal where I didn't have fun.

Tami O.

My son joined San Jose Youth Symphony about three years ago. His experience there has provided him the opportunity to gain confidence, mature, work hard, and grow as a musician. They always practice and perform high quality music and are directed by a professional, very qualified conductor. The executive director and staff are amazing, too. The Philharmonic group travels internationally every other year which has been a highlight for my son. He was also able to perform in The Nutcracker at the Flint Center. The yearly summer camp has also been a highlight! When the group performs it’s a complete joy to watch. The kids are confident and proud of their hard work. If you close your eyes and listen, you would believe that you were listening to an adult symphony. They always sound amazing! Family and friends are always impressed after a concert. I highly recommend SJYS to anyone interested in a high quality music experience for their child. They’re the absolute best in the Bay Area!

Kyle C.

I have 2 musicians participating in 2 different levels of San Jose Youth Symphony. I can honestly say that the level of instruction, musical benefit and fostering of community is extremely enriching to my kids. The care and consideration of the leadership group at SJSY is highly reflective in the growth and progress I see in the performances my musicians are a part of. I highly recommend that families looking for a way to support their musical students - research and JOIN San Jose Youth Symphony. It's great for all who participate.

Martha E. I.

San Jose Youth Symphony is an excellent organization! I have two musicians who have participated in this organization, my elder son has been a member for several years and he has have the opportunity to be in Jazz Ensemble, Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestra. My younger son has been in Concert and Chamber Orchestra. My sons love SJYS. Summer camps are a great experience for the musicians as well! I do recommend SJYS to those parents who wants to support their kids with music. Yair Samet is great conductor and Shoko is an amazing executive director, she make sure that all the students are in track and provides a great and permanent communications to the parents. During Covid-19 and under challenging circumstances, SJYS continues supporting to all the students with the same level of professionalism. I give to this Organization more than 5 stars!

Neng G.

My son stayed in SJYS for more than 6 years. He really enjoyed his time at SJYS, ranging from the weekly rehearsals, annual summer camps, and especially the biannual Philharmonic Orchestra international tours. He attended three tours and cherished each and every one! He gained a lot from his experience with SJYS, not only musically, but also as a leader and a team worker. I highly recommend SJYS to all young musicians in the Bay Area.

Brenda M.

San Jose Youth Symphony is an excellent organization that helps students pursue their love of music performance to another level. Two of my children participated in the orchestra for many years. My oldest child is now a professional musician in a top level orchestra in great part because of the experience he received with SJYS and the tutelage of Yair Samet, music director and conductor.

David H.

We have a 7th grader in the SJYS Concert Orchestra and are preparing our 4th grader to audition at end of 5th grade year for the entry level ensemble. SJYS provides amazing musicianship experience and community to students aged (depending on skill/audition level) 5th grade and up in a variety of performance-level-matched ensembles and orchestras. They run a summer camp as part of the program which the kids really love and, at least in our case, really solidifies the student’s commitment to pursuit of the program. The work is challenging but level appropriate for students who demand a more enriched or competitive environment than a typical school band can provide. I am grateful to our private music teacher for recommending SJYS, especially coming out of covid, because our school band program (which I appreciate in its own right) is not enough on its own. SJYS is well organized and well managed, and the parent community engages through volunteer tasks and fundraisers which support the program. This is my favorite youth organization in the Bay Area!

Nancy A. N.

Our journey with the SJYS Family began in 2003 when after much research for the finest youth symphony in the Silicon Valley/Bay Area, we chose SJYS. Best decision of our lives.

From a very young age, the students are given an impressive music education including discipline and teamwork skills, and respect for themselves and others, all the while creating music and making magic in a group setting.

The tone of SJYS, set by its esteemed, long time Music Director Yair Samet, is one of serious music preparation combined with encouragement, competition, fun and hard work.

After beginning in the all important preparatory groups, both of my children toured South America with The Philharmonic Orchestra and shortly thereafter, decided to pursue music professionally, graduating with music degrees from New York University and Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music, respectively.

SJYS is where students become better musicians and team players, and learn to be sensitive, happy, empathic humans too.

Thank you SJYS, Yair Samet and Shoko Michael for all you do!