The Springfield Youth Symphony (SYS)
Under the direction of Professor Jun Kim, this ensemble is comprised of 65-75 junior and senior high school musicians from over 25 different schools and home schools in Clark, Champaign, Logan, Greene, Miami, Warren, Butler, and Montgomery counties.

Since 1959, the SYS has provided one of the few opportunities in this area for young musicians to play in a full orchestral setting. Each season features several concerts and weekly rehearsals in the professional environment of the Kuss Auditorium at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.

Highlights of the Springfield Youth Symphony season include:
• A Side-by-Side weekend, with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO), which includes master classes, mentoring, and a concert in the Kuss Auditorium. This event takes place every other season.
• Sectional coaching by members of the SSO.
• Chamber music opportunities with a Brass Choir and Woodwind Quintet, String Quartet and Percussion Ensemble. These small ensembles are featured in numerous performances throughout the school year. Students are chosen by audition.
• Master class opportunities with SSO guest artists.
• Project Protégé, a program in which select SYS string players are invited to perform with the Springfield Symphony during a subscription concert.
• A Concerto Competition for SYS seniors. The winner performs a solo with the SSO during the Side-by-Side concert.
• Collaborative opportunities to enhance each student's participation in the arts. The Youth Orchestra program has participated in exciting collaborations with the National Trail Parks and Recreation District, The Gary Geis Dance Company, The Springfield Museum of Art and the Clark State Community College Theater Program.

The Youth String Ensemble and Youth Chamber Orchestra


The Springfield Youth String Ensemble


The Springfield Youth Chamber Orchestra.

The SSO has further enhanced the educational opportunities of young area musicians by providing beginning and intermediate ensembles just for stringed instrument players. These two groups are designed to improve the skills of young string players, and give them an orchestral experience that they may not be getting in their schools.

Both groups rehearse weekly in the professional environment of the Turner Studio Theater at the Clark State Performing Arts Center. Each season includes several concerts, sectional coaching from Springfield Symphony Orchestra musicians and Side-by-Side opportunities with the SYS and SSO.

Kathryn Harford conducts the Youth Chamber Orchestra, and Janet Fu conducts the Youth String Ensemble.