Youth Symphony

The San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony (SLOYS) was founded in 1965 by Dr. Wachtang “Botso” Korisheli. In 2006, SLOYS merged with the San Luis Obispo Symphony under the umbrella of its music education programs.

The SLOYS provides high-quality orchestral and ensemble education and performance opportunities to local youth and reaches out to the Central Coast community by introducing new audiences of adults and children to symphonic music.

Let’s Make Some Music

To accommodate a range of musical experiences, SLOYS is composed of four ensembles:

Preparatory Strings

Our beginning string ensemble that lays the foundation for ensemble playing, teamwork skills, and orchestra etiquette

Symphonic Winds

Our intermediate wind, brass and percussion ensemble

Academy String Orchestra

Our intermediate string ensemble

Concert Orchestra

The premier orchestra of our advanced string, wind, brass and percussion musicians

Tuition & Scholarships

  • $650 for Concert Orchestra, Academy Strings, Symphonic Winds
  • $600 for Preparatory Strings

We offer discounts for siblings and for involvement with school band or orchestra music programs.
We are approved as a Heartland Charter School Vendor. Heartland students can use their funds for YS tuition!

All musicians are encouraged to audition, regardless of financial need, as scholarships are available on a need basis.

Please contact grace@slosymphony.org for scholarship information.

2024-25 Season Information

Rehearsals

Mondays @ Laguna Middle School

  • 4:00-5:00 Preparatory Strings @ Room H-1
  • 4:30-6:00 Symphonic Winds @ Choir Room
  • 5:15-7:00 Academy Strings @ Room H-1
  • 5:15-7:00 Concert Orchestra @ Band Room

Concerts

Fall Concert
Monday, November 4, 2024, 6:30pm
Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Cuesta College

Concert Orchestra Side By Side with Cal Poly Symphony
Saturday, November 16, 2024, 7:30pm
San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center

Spring Concert
Monday, February 3, 2025, 6:30pm
Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Cuesta College

Finale Concert
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 4:00pm
Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Cuesta College

Private Lessons

Private lessons are the best way for your student to hone their craft and level up their skills. Please review our directory of recommended local music instructors and reach out to a teacher near you to arrange lessons.

Thank You to Our 2024-2025 Youth Symphony Season Sponsors

Mary and Tom Tanner

Bull Foundation

Marilyn Vredevoe

Zorus and Judy Colglazier

Marianne Augstine

Gale Baer

Nick Beadmand, Elaine Christensen

Kathrine Coull

Garrett Foulke, Dorothy Correa

Cricket Handler, Jerry Boots

Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust

Patricia Kohlen

PG & E

Premier Valley Bank

Floyd Redman

Rita’s Rainbows, Inc.

Mark Sherman, Denise Barilla