Originally established as a single symphony orchestra, the California Youth Symphony has grown dramatically in the past 20 years and now offers nine programs, covering all symphonic instruments, for young musicians ages 8 to 18. Total enrollment is about 500. Ensembles and orchestras rehearse weekly in Palo Alto and Los Altos and perform at Flint Center, Spangenberg Theatre, Foothill College and the San Mateo Performing Arts Center throughout the year. The following is a list of CYS programs:
CYS Orchestra (advanced level)- rehearses on Sundays from 2:30 to 5:30pm from September to May at Almond Elementary School, Los Altos. Performs 7 concerts per year. Program also includes 6 summer rehearsals and a week of summer camp in the redwoods. Conductor - Leo Eylar.
CYS Associate Orchestra (advanced/intermediate level)- rehearses on Sundays from 12:00 to 2:00pm from September to May at Almond Elementary School, Los Altos Performs 3 concerts a year. Program also includes a summer day camp in Palo Alto. Conductor - Leo Eylar.
CYS Percussion Ensemble- rehearses on Sundays from 6 to 8pm. Performs 3 concerts a year. Director - Artie Storch.
CYS Intermediate String Ensemble - rehearses on Sundays from 10:15am to 11:45am (Group A), 1:30 to 3:00pm (Group B) from September to May at Gunn High School, Palo Alto. Performs 2 to 4 concerts per year. Summer day camp in Palo Alto. Director - Kati Kyme.
CYS Junior String Ensemble - rehearses on Sundays from 12:00 to 1:20pm from September to May at Gunn High School, Palo Alto. Performs 2 to 4 concerts per year. Summer day camp in Palo Alto - Director - Kati Kyme.
CYS Preparatory Flute Ensemble - rehearses on Sundays from 3:15 to 4:15pm, from September to May at Gunn High School, Palo Alto. Performs 2 concerts per year. Director - Rosita Amador.
CYS Preparatory Wind Ensembles - rehearse on Sundays. Two levels -- Wind One from 4:15 to 5:15pm, Wind Two from 5:15 to 6:15pm, from September to May at Gunn High School, Palo Alto. Perform 2 concerts per year. Director - Rosita Amador.
