By Kimetha Hill
Contributing Writer
Music education has suffered a deafening blow in schools across the country as programs are all but non-existent after extensive budget cuts. Students of color suffer across the board in comparison with their white counterparts when it comes to academic achievement. And with the correlation between music education and academics proven to be constructive, it is vital that students of color, those whom are often times marginalized, are offered opportunities to level the playing field. The San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory strives to provide dynamic musical training for students in the greater San Diego area. Entering into its 69th season, SDYS is currently holding auditions for the 2014 – 2015 season for musicians of all levels wishing to join the Balboa Park Programs.
The auditions give students the opportunity to engage in an environment that stimulates growth and training in their musical journey. During this season, young musicians will be trained by highly qualified, passionate conductors who will challenge students to reach their highest potential. SDYS’ Balboa Park Programs are made up of eleven ensembles, comprised of four orchestras, four wind ensembles, two string ensembles and debut classes. The classes cater to the musician’s level of experience, ranging from entry level and ensembles to advanced orchestras comprised of pre-professional musicians.
SDYS’ seasons run from September through June, and this cycle has seen almost 600 registrations thus far. SDYS President and CEO, Dalouge Smith encourages students to continue registering through the May 23 deadline as those students who miss the deadline can continue registering for the August session through the final deadline of July 25 at noon. Smith affirms that no student is turned away regardless of financial status. Though all levels of musical ability are welcomed, Smith says that most of the students are of elementary, middle and high school age. As well, Asian and Caucasian students make up the majority of registrants.
“We have many different outreach efforts we’ve put in place to encourage participation among students of color,” said Smith. He discussed the African Drumming and Orchestral program run at Oak Park Elementary and the success it demonstrated as African American student participation soared. However, due to recent changes, the program was not continued during 2014. “During those 9 years, we saw African American student enrollment increase as well participation in more advanced groups. Some of those students have continued on into the Balboa program,” says Smith. “But as a consequence we see a drop with the discontinuation of the program.”
Multiple research studies have shown the link between music education and academic achievement is positive. As recently as January 2014, the University of Kansas published a study concluding that increased music participation has important direct and indirect effects on positive outcomes in student achievement and engagement. Music education not only enhances a child’s academic achievement, but it stimulates a child’s mind exponentially.
Currently, 101 Latino students have registered for SDYS’ 69th season, while only 13 African American students have. “These numbers are tragically low, which is why outreach and community programs have become so important,” says Smith. To combat the decline in African American student participation, Smith discussed new partnerships with several schools and community organizations around San Diego.
“We’ve just completed our first year of a partnership with Rosa Parks Elementary, and we also serve in an advisory role in Monroe Clark Middle School and Hoover High School. We also are working in helping Price Charities. So we are still looking at where we can target different areas around the City.” In Chula Vista, SDYS has been running a program for 3 ½ years which led to the increase in Latino student participation.
When enrolling in these programs, student musicians not only perform in an ensemble, but can also compete in SDYS Concerto Competitions, learn more in Theory Training Classes and teach fellow students in Mentor Programs. In conjunction with its 100 percent acceptance rate, Smith points to SDYS’ financial support it provides to need-based students. Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch are supported and a special scholarship committee has been created that assesses applicants who are in financial need.
“We try to make sure every student is receiving as much support as possible for a positive transition,” says Smith. “We welcome inquiries. If families have questions, we have administrative support to help complete registration online and if you are having problems online we can assist you with filling out a paper form.” Smith also points to a frequently asked questions video and written form that details how students can register and prepare for their auditions.
Since 1945, San Diego Youth Symphony (SDYS) has given thousands of musicians the opportunity to study and perform classical repertoire at a highly advanced level. It is the sixth oldest continuously operating youth orchestra in the United States and the resident youth orchestra in the City of San Diego’s historic Balboa Park.
As the region’s leading youth music program, SDYS attracts student musicians of all skill levels from across San Diego County as well as neighboring Imperial and Riverside counties. SDYS’ musical excellence has been recognized nationally with a Music Alive/League of American Orchestras “Composer-in-Residence” award. The orchestra has performed 13 foreign concert tours in 18 foreign countries. It now hosts the only International Youth Symphony exchange program organized by Rotary International Youth Exchange. During this time, students are also invited to visit rehearsals in Balboa Park on Saturdays and Sundays to learn more about SDYS programs and auditions.
“We think of our program as kind of San Diego regional all-stars with every level welcomed and able to shine,” said Smith. He also emphasized the lasting bonds students form with each other as they matriculate through the program.
Students are encouraged to continue registering through May 23 up until the second deadline of July 25 at noon. For all registration materials, please visit www.sdys.org or call 619.233.3232 for more information.
