Founded in 1956 as a 55-member youth orchestra, the Sacramento Youth Symphony (SYS), under the artistic direction of Michael Neumann, now has a membership of more than 400 talented young musicians from all over the Sacramento Valley region. The Symphony is a non-profit organization. SYS offers beginning through advanced orchestral ensembles (for Ages 6-21), and presents more than 20 concerts per year under the baton of some of the best music educators and conductors in the region.

Its mission is to educate and advance the musical skills of youth within our community in ways that engage, challenge, and inspire. Its programs are designed specifically to bridge music and academic subjects, teaching orchestra ethics and appropriate social behavior. In doing so, students gain self-esteem, self-expression, discipline, and a sense of teamwork.