Three geographically distanced groups — Fidalgo Youth Symphony, (FYS) Mount Baker Youth Symphony, (MBYS) and Whidbey Island Youth Symphony, (WIYS) function under the non-profit umbrella organization of Northwest Youth Symphony Association (NYSA) which is a registered 501(c)3.
FYS, established in 1995, offers orchestral training and experience for talented young musicians in Northwest Washington. FYS rehearses weekly during the academic year on Thursday evenings in Mount Vernon and performs four Saturday concerts throughout the season.
MBYS, established in 1990, is a smaller satellite location for students who live further north. MBYS rehearses weekly on Monday evenings in Bellingham and joins FYS for the four concerts in Mount Vernon. They also offer four abbreviated concerts in Bellingham on Monday evening.
WIYS, established in 2023, is our most recent addition. WIYS rehearses weekly in Oak Harbor on Monday evenings and join FYS and MBYS for the four concerts in Mount Vernon.
The conductors for the locations are as follows:
FYS & MBYS Youth: Sharyn Peterson
FYS & MBYS Junior: Malcolm Peterson
FYS Sinfonette: Karla Smart
WIYS Junior and Youth: Sean Brown
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Youth Symphony
This ensemble is designed for the most experienced musicians in our organization, up to the age of 21. They perform challenging symphonic literature on an advanced level.
Junior Symphony
This ensemble is designed for musicians with a minimum of two years experience on an instrument. The group performs symphonic arrangements which teach the musical skills needed to advance.
Sinfonette
This ensemble is an introductory group designed for beginning musicians to help introduce them into our larger programs.