The SYO Orchestral Training Pathway
SYO is the leading provider of Orchestral Training in NSW and the only program nationally that supports young musicians from beginner to pre-professional.
As one of the oldest youth arts organisations in Australia, we aim to boldly shape the future of orchestral music.
AUDITIONS
To be a member of an SYO Orchestra each musician is required to audition each year. This ensures musicians are placed in the right ensemble for their musical developmental level and also that the highest standards of playing are maintained within each group. Each year over 1000 applications are assessed for places in SYO Orchestras.
CONCERTS
Each year all ensembles perform a minimum of 4 concerts. From the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, major public events, The Big Busk, Festivals and more, SYO ensures musicians are always working towards a performance goal. Since 2017, SYO musicians have performed live to audiences of over 660,000 people.
CONDUCTORS
SYO Orchestras are led by exceptional musicians and experiences conductors who have expertise in the developmental stage of their orchestra. Over 80% of our team are SYO alumni who have firsthand experience in the program and are leaders' music education.
YOUTH ORCHESTRA CAMP
The Youth Orchestra Camp (YOC) is a weeklong residential camp for musicians in the Symphonic Orchestral Program each April school holidays. All four orchestras travel to The Armidale School to spend a week working on repertoire, getting to know one another and performing concerts across the New England region. Talented regionally based musicians are welcomed to YOC to build skills and connect with likeminded young people.
INTENSIVE
The Intensive at the start of the program year focuses on our Pre-Professional Musicians in The Philharmonic and The Sydney Youth Orchestra. The intensive weekend provides is opportunity to connect with one another work, with professional musicians from the SSO, ACO and OA Orchestras, along with their Chief Conductors Steve Williams and Stanley Dodds.
ORCHESTRAL MUSICIANSHIP
Orchestral Musicianship provides 6 levels of music theory connected to the SYO program, delivered via our SYOnline Digital Platform, these weekly interactive live musicianship classes provide access to theory programs for all musicians. From the String Stages through to HSC Music there is a program for all levels of development.
TUTORIALS
All Orchestras receive instrument focused tutorial session with specialist teachers. Together in the sections or instrument focused groups, tutorials provide an opportunity to deep dive into the repertoire, build specific skills and network with professional musicians from the SSO, ACO, OA Orchestras.
TOURS
SYO provides both regional and international touring for our musicians. As an important part of any musician's life touring is about personal development, sharing music with new audiences and gaining new cultural perspectives.
A COMMUNITY
SYO is a community. With over 80% retention year on year, many musicians stay at SYO over a number of years, this builds a deep sense of community between musicians and families. Events like The Big Busk bring together those who would like to be more active along with other volunteering opportunities throughout the year.
COMPANY OF STATE SIGNIFICANCE
SYO is a multi-year funded company through Create NSW which recognizes the important role SYO plays in the arts sector for the state. We have strong partnerships within the arts sector which provides or musicians with professional pathways, aditional opportunities and access to creative projects.
MASTERCLASS
Connecting with our alumni and the finest musicians from around the globe, including working as the Education Partners with the Sydney Opera House International Orchestras program, SYO is thrilled to connect our musicians to skills and people who will change the trajectory of our musicians' futures.
PROFESSIONAL PATHWAY TO EMPLOYMENT
SYO is committed to creating a pathway to employment, through initiative such as work experience, industry placements, conductor development programs, paid performance, production, supervision, education and mentoring roles.
MUSIC
We play the very best music!
LEADERSHIP
SYO is a registered Not-for-Profit, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with professional skills in corporate governance, finance, government relations, arts management, media and music. Managed by a professional management team of arts administration and education professionals. SYO is a member of the Australia Network of Youth Orchestras (ANYO) the national association representing the state youth orchestras of Australia. SYO is committed to the National Child Safe Principals, this includes a youth voice within organisational decision making. SYO is proud to have youth representative from across the orchestras who form our Youth Advisory Committee.
