Our outstanding private lesson faculty provides intense and personalized instruction on most Western instruments. While taking private lessons at the Conservatory you will have the opportunity to perform in the Sol H. Joseph Recital Hall and the larger, 450-seat Concert Hall.
The SJYS Percussion Ensemble offers an opportunity for percussionists to perform percussion ensemble music from the 20th and 21st centuries, and performs regularly each season. Members are encouraged to play many different percussion instruments including timpani, snare drum, bass drum, accessory instruments, xylophone, marimba, and ethnic percussion. Students are taught valuable chamber music skills and instructed on performing techniques, proper set-up of multiple percussion parts, playing advanced rhythms and taking care of instruments.
The Concert Wind Ensemble is designed to develop the overall ability of the young woodwind and brass musicians. Students in this ensemble will perform band works at a grade 2-4 which is standard for most middle school ensembles. Concert Winds is also designed for the more proficient high school/middle school musician desiring to learn a new instrument to enhance the ensemble instrumentation and balance in their current school program. Students will have the opportunity to work in smaller ensembles and will perform 2-3 times during the year.
The flute ensemble plays a well-rounded and eclectic curriculum for the eager performing flutists with performance opportunities that provide a rich diversity in musical selections ranging from Classical, 20th Century Music, Jazz, Pop and music of ethnic origin.
We offer two string orchestras as training preparation to play in the larger Symphonic Orchestras: Intermezzo Strings and Prelude Strings. Visit our website to learn about rehearsal locations and audition requirements.
The Philharmonic Orchestra is the premier orchestra of the San Jose Youth Symphony. The newly formed Chamber Orchestra is for musicians of high school age at the advanced musical level. Rehearsals will focus on the full orchestra as well as small chamber music groups coached by professional musicians. The Concert Orchestra provides intermediate musicians the opportunity to learn rehearsal techniques and performance practices in a full orchestra setting. Visit our website for information on rehearsal locations and audition requirements.
The Preparatory Program is available to students ages 9-18. This program offers conservatory quality training complete with private lessons, master classes, keyboard and theory classes, ensembles and performance opportunities. Benefits of the program include access to instruments, academic support, and college preparation support. Participants in the Preparatory Program are required to complete 30 hours of community service yearly.
Wind Sinfonia is the sister ensemble to Sinfonia and is designed to give entry-level wind and brass students experience in an ensemble setting while developing technical and performance skills. Led by Robin May and Debbie Walden, Wind Sinfonia and Sinfonia perform together three concerts a season and additional special events.
Sinfonia, led by Yasushi Ogura, is a string orchestra designed to give entry-level students experience in an ensemble setting while developing technical and performance skills. It serves as a foundation for musical growth in the orchestral tradition. Sinfonia is appropriate for students who are comfortable playing in first position and are performing in Suzuki Book 2-5, or the equivalent.
Representing over 27 schools from within and beyond the Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Youth Symphony is a full symphonic orchestra led by Ming Luke which provides professional musical training for the 50+ students involved in the program. Dedicated to performing the great masterworks of classical composers of the present and past centuries, the Youth Symphony performs three major concerts each year. An integral part of any young musician's training, the chamber music program will be available to any student in the Youth Symphony.