Jon Harris-Clippinger, Musical Director
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS of EXCELLENCE!
We are now accepting Audition Applications
for the 2025 – 2026 Concert Season!
Koyuki Blaumer, a freshman at South Salem High School, started learning the cello with Dr. Joseph Harchanko when she was 6 years old. Currently, Koyuki studies with the University of Oregon cello professor, Dr. Steven Ploge. Koyuki was principal cellist for this year’s 2025 High School All-City Honors Orchestra and was principal cellist all three years in Middle School All-City Honors Orchestra. She was selected to be part of the 2025 OMEA All-State High School Orchestra. She has been part of the Salem Youth Symphony fo 4 years and greatly cherishes it. She was also part of the orchestra for Chemeketa Community Colleg’s 2024 production of Theater Under the Stars Production: Oliver! Koyuki enjoy’s being part of the South Salem High School Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Damian Berdakin, and enjoys participating in the South Salem High School Jazz Band. Her free-time activites are badminton, running, rock climbing, reading, and spending time with family and friends. In her future years, Koyuki hopes to pursue a music and cello-related career.
SYS ON ALL CLASSICAL RADIO
ON DECK with Nicholas Peterson-Hunt!
Nicholas Peterson-Hunt is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston, Texas with Barbara Butler. Recently, he performed Légende by George Enescu with the Salem Youth Symphony after winning the concerto competition.
Some of his accomplishments include winning the Oregon Solo Trumpet Championship three years in a row, advanced into semi-finals at the National Trumpet Competition in the high school solo division and placing second at the National Trumpet Competition in the high school ensemble division.
Listen to the interview HERE
ABOUT SALEM YOUTH SYMPHONY
The Salem Youth Symphony Association fosters the talents of dedicated young musicians by providing them with the opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation of orchestral music, enhance their performance skills, and contribute to the community through their musical expression.
Salem Youth Symphony provides four levels of orchestral experience geared for youth throughout age twenty-two. Read More HERE or (Click on each orchestra for more information on skill level)
Mozart Players
Mozart Players is a preparatory string ensemble directed by Rachael Anderson that primarily engages students in grades 6-7. While it is designed as an entry-level ensemble, an audition is required to ensure students are prepared for the skill demands of the group.
Amadeus Players
Amadeus Players is a mid-level string ensemble conducted by Mac Mayer that primarily engages students in grades 7-9. This ensemble focuses on refining and developing a mature string sound through the study, rehearsal, and performance of large ensemble orchestra music. Audition required.
Philharmonia
Philharmonia is an advanced full symphony orchestra conducted by Danny Hunt, composed of talented student musicians dedicated to developing their orchestral performance skills. This ensemble offers young musicians the opportunity to experience the rich, powerful sound of full symphonic repertoire and features a complete string section, winds, brass, and percussion. Audition required.
Youth Symphony
Youth Symphony is the premier full symphony orchestra of Salem Youth Symphony, conducted by Musical Director Jon Harris-Clippinger. Composed of the most talented and dedicated student musicians up to age 22, Youth Symphony performs professional-level symphonic repertoire, providing a rigorous and rewarding orchestral experience. Audition required.
School Music Ensemble Participation Requirements
Salem Youth Symphony, in support of public and private school music programs, requires students to be enrolled in a musical ensemble offered at their school for their instrument. Wind and percussion instrumentalists will participate in their school band program. String instrumentalists will participate in their school orchestra program. The policy does not apply to students whose educational setting does not offer a musical ensemble for their instrument.
Donate to Salem Youth Symphony
Please support music and the development of young talent through a generous donation to Salem Youth Symphony. SYS is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. Your tax deductible contribution will make a difference in a young player’s life.
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