Our Mission
The Sunnyvale Youth Philharmonic (SYP) empowers young South Bay Area musicians of all backgrounds through passion-driven youth orchestra programs. We believe in in collaboration and potential, growth and joy. Founded by Latine educators, the SYP provides high-quality music education through accessible classroom pedagogy.
Why choose the Sunnyvale Youth Philharmonic
- We are a family- and student-centered program, which means our students come first in our organization.
- Our program’s distinctive learning model combines the focused attention of sectional instruction with the collaborative energy of orchestral rehearsals, providing a comprehensive and enriching musical education.
- Our programs achieve excellence through a fresh and dynamic learning environment that strikes the perfect balance between challenge and support
- Beyond full rehearsals and performances, our orchestra stands out by providing the most extensive coaching program among private youth orchestras in the Bay Area. We also offer unique social engagement opportunities to our students.
- Our programs are for everyone. As an organization founded by Latine educators, we are family-oriented and centered on equity, diversity, and inclusion. We support and welcome students of all races, ethnicities, and genders: we foster a space centered on the joy of being part of BIPOC communities and the rich traditions of our communities’ varied cultures.
- We feature classical music from around the world to foster more diverse representation in the classical field and celebrate our students’ and communities’ unique voices.
More Reasons to Join us
Programs
- The Sunnyvale Youth Philharmonic – Ages: 12-18, advanced-level
- The CSMA Junior Orchestra by the SYP – Ages 8-12, in partnership with the Community School of Music and Arts, Mountain View, CA
Excellence
- Our programs achieve excellence through a fresh and dynamic learning environment that strikes the perfect balance between challenge and support
- This approach leads to high-quality performances that are celebrated and shared by the entire school community.
- We are committed to nurturing not just skilled musicians, but also well-rounded young people equipped to thrive in the challenges of adulthood.
Equity
- We are a family-centered program, which means our families and students come first in our organization.
- We celebrate the unique talents and perspectives that each member brings to our group, ensuring our orchestras reflect the diversity of our communities.
- We value the professional musicians across the South Bay Area who serve as coaches and instructors in our programs.
- We encourage students to seek private instruction and take advantage of school district’s band and orchestra programs.
Cultural Exchange
- Our goal is to feature a variety of orchestral music, showcasing canonical classical music works alongside less-known pieces by composers from the Global South, including Latin America and AAPI countries.
Community
- We offer exclusive enrichment programs for our community and events for the larger audience of the South Bay Area, such as workshops, summer camps, and masterclasses.
Social Engagement
- We see our students as individuals part of a collective and an expanded community
- We nurture our community through a family-oriented approach through which everyone is valued.
BENEFITS OF YOUTH ORCHESTRAS
Youth orchestras serve as gateways to form professional musicians and help children earn life and teamwork skills. Youth learns how to collaborate towards common goals and enjoy their achievements during performances. We build community together and commit to each other through music-making.