Seattle is known for Microsoft, for its persistent growth, for Grunge and Kurt Cobain, for its suffocating traffic, for its Seahawks and dearly departed Sonics, for Starbucks coffee, for Dr. Frasier Crane – but not for SYSO. Would that the world’s attention be somewhat more encompassing . . .
. . . for SYSO is one of Seattle's cultural gems.
The Seattle
Youth Symphony Orchestra Program is the largest youth
orchestra program in the world, renowned for feeding conservatories and music schools
with a steady stream of students. Symphonies the world over have SYSO alum as
players, principals, concertmasters, conductors and even composers. SYSO also
is known for its traditional affinity for and recordings of the music of Gustav
Mahler, something no other youth orchestra has tackled. SYSO has five
performing orchestras, each with its own conductor, seven if training
orchestras are included, more than any other youth symphony program.
I must admit that had it not been for our grandson, Max Janes, being Principal Trumpet in SYSO's senior Youth Orchestra, I might not have known of SYSO either. SYSO is a cultural gem hiding its brilliance under a bushel.
You might naturally assume, as did I, that SYSO is a division within the Seatle Symphony and run by them. Not so: SYSO is an independent not-for-profit organization, with its own board and management, its own staff, and its own fund raising. SYSO’s mission is “Empowering youth through excellence in orchestral education.” And it delivered this past year:
- 1300 students were enrolled
- from 256 Pacific Northwest schools.
- 32 concerts were given
- before 12,500 attendees.
- In addition, 270 more students received over 400 hours of instruction in schools.
- the senior orchestra toured Portugal, playing with orchestras and ensembles in four major cities.
- SYSO's total budget is over $2.6mm.
SYSO and its
supporters (which includes our family) believe that participation is transformative.
Students and graduates speak of developing leadership skills, confidence, improved
school performance, discipline, collaboration, community, and joy.
Recently, Ann
and I attended the spring concert at UW’s Meany Hall. It was packed not just
with doting parents and grand-parents, but with folks who were there simply to enjoy
classical, orchestral music. The sound, even from the “Debut” orchestra, the
youngest kids, was incredibly polished and mature.
