Salem Youth Symphony

Salem Youth Symphony The Salem Youth Symphony Association (SYSA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving dedicated young musicians through age 22 from Salem, Keizer, and surrounding communities. Each season, SYSA supports over 200 students from more than 50 schools. Our four ensembles—Mozart Players, Amadeus Players, Philharmonia, and Youth Symphony—provide a progressive orchestral experience that emphasizes strong musicianship, collaboration, and artistic growth. Weekly rehearsals culminate in performances that share the joy of great music with our community.

The Salem Youth Symphony Association (SYSA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving dedicated young musicians through age 22 from Salem, Keizer, and surrounding communities. Each season, SYSA supports over 200 students from more than 50 schools. Our four ensembles—Mozart Players, Amadeus Players, Philharmonia, and Youth Symphony—provide a progressive orchestral experience that emphasizes str

ong musicianship, collaboration, and artistic growth. Weekly rehearsals culminate in performances that share the joy of great music with our community.

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 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 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 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.

We love sharing concerts and recitals presented by our musician friends. The Salem Pops Orchestra is led by our SYS bras...
03/05/2026

We love sharing concerts and recitals presented by our musician friends. The Salem Pops Orchestra is led by our SYS brass section coach, Benjamin Garrett!

The Salem Youth Symphony Winter Concert at Willamette University features all four ensembles after 12 weeks of weekly re...
11/15/2025

The Salem Youth Symphony Winter Concert at Willamette University features all four ensembles after 12 weeks of weekly rehearsals. SYS holds two major concerts each year—winter and spring—showcasing musicians across all levels.

🎻 SYS StagehandsBehind every great rehearsal are our SYS Stagehands — Nicole, Trenton, Bennett, Brian, and Alyssa!These ...
10/31/2025

🎻 SYS Stagehands

Behind every great rehearsal are our SYS Stagehands — Nicole, Trenton, Bennett, Brian, and Alyssa!

These dedicated Youth Symphony musicians help make sure the rooms are set up for rehearsal and stay after to ensure the classrooms at North Salem High School are set back up and ready for the next day.

Through these paid positions, students gain real-world work experience while contributing to the smooth operation of the Salem Youth Symphony. We’re grateful for their help behind the scenes! 🙌✨

First full rehearsal on the stage!
10/24/2025

First full rehearsal on the stage!

Meet the Maestro🎻 Jon Harris‑Clippinger🎶 Musical Director & Conductor – Youth SymphonyMr. Harris-Clippinger is the music...
09/25/2025

Meet the Maestro

🎻 Jon Harris‑Clippinger

🎶 Musical Director & Conductor – Youth Symphony

Mr. Harris-Clippinger is the musical heart of Salem Youth Symphony, having conducted for over two decades. A graduate of Willamette University and the University of Illinois, he brings a lifetime of orchestral leadership and music education to the podium. Under his baton, the Youth Symphony continues to grow in both artistry and ambition — mentoring the next generation of musicians with excellence and heart.

🎶 Welcome to the 2025–26 Season of Salem Youth Symphony!We’re thrilled to begin another powerful year of music, connecti...
09/21/2025

🎶 Welcome to the 2025–26 Season of Salem Youth Symphony!

We’re thrilled to begin another powerful year of music, connection, and creativity.
📅 Rehearsals begin Monday, September 22nd — if you auditioned yesterday for Amadeus or Mozart, check your email for results and next steps!

Bring your instrument, your music, and your excitement — we can’t wait to see you there! 🎻🥁🎺

🧡 Senior Spotlight: Brycen Martin – Viola 🎻Brycen joined SYS this year looking for a musical challenge—and found so much...
06/08/2025

🧡 Senior Spotlight: Brycen Martin – Viola 🎻
Brycen joined SYS this year looking for a musical challenge—and found so much more. A senior at South Salem High School, Brycen played with the Youth Symphony and is heading across the country to Boston University to study electrical engineering! ⚡📚
Though it was just one season, Brycen describes SYS as an unforgettable experience—full of laughs, growth, and connection. From being “target practice” for Mr. Harris-Clippinger 🎯 to antique shopping in Newport, the memories made were countless. We’re so glad you were part of the SYS family, Brycen! 💙






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Salem, OR

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+15034852244

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