FYS, MBYS, WIYS & SYS

The Northwest Youth Symphony Association (NYSA), a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is comprised of four distinct branches: Fidalgo Youth Symphony (FYS), Mount Baker Youth Symphony (MBYS), Whidbey Island Youth Symphony (WIYS), and Salish Youth Symphony (SYS). Together, they bring quality orchestral experiences to youth across the region.

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.

WIYS, established in 2023, is a mid-size satellite location for students who live on the north end of Whidbey Island. WIYS rehearses weekly in Oak Harbor on Monday evenings and join FYS and MBYS for the four concerts in Mount Vernon.

SYS, established in 2024, is our most recent addition for students who live on south Whidbey Island. SYS rehearses weekly in Langley, WA on Monday evenings and join FYS, MBYS and WIYS for the four concerts in Mount Vernon.

The paid staff for the branches are as follows:

Four geographically distanced branches — Fidalgo Youth Symphony, (FYS) Mount Baker Youth Symphony, (MBYS), Whidbey Island Youth Symphony (WIYS) and Salish Youth Symphony (SYS) function under the non-profit umbrella organization of Northwest Youth Symphony Association (NYSA), which is a registered 501(c)3.

Sharyn Peterson

FYS & MBYS Youth Director /Conductor

Malcolm Peterson

FYS & MBYS Junior Program Manager/Conductor

Eva Mason

FYS Sinfonette Director

Sean Brown

WIYS Junior and Youth Director

Karis Mills

WIYS Sinfonette Conductor

Aniela Perry

SYS Sinfonette & Junior Conductor

Youth Symphony

This ensemble is designed for the most experienced musicians in our organization, up to the age of 24. 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.