The South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra (SSYO) began in 1976 as a group of forty young musicians under the sponsorship of the Regina Symphony Orchestra. It is lead by Musical Director Alan Denike and Assistant Director/Librarian Rudolf Sternadel.
The SSYO is in its 44th season. The award-winning orchestra has fifty members, but its purpose remains the same. With a commitment to excellence, the SSYO offers talented students from all over Southern Saskatchewan an orchestral experience - the opportunity to rehearse, perform, travel, and make lasting friendships with other young people who love music.
All SSYO players over eighteen years of age are members of the SSYO non-profit Corporation, although, a player can designate a parent or guardian to vote on their behalf. SSYO parents with children under eighteen automatically become members of the SSYO non-profit Corporation. The Corporation, through its Board of Directors, manages the affairs and business of the orchestra. For more information, you are invited to email the board and review the Bylaws of the organization.
The Corporation meets in general session in September and at the discretion of the Board during the year. The Corporation is governed by a Board of Directors elected at the September Annual General Meeting. Working committees are established by the Board. Directors as needed. To reach the board or a specific member, visit the board contact page.
All SSYO players over 18 years of age are members of the SSYO non-profit Corporation although a player can designate a parent or guardian to vote on their behalf. SSYO parents with children under 18 automatically become members of the SSYO non-profit Corporation. The Corporation, through its Board of Directors, manages the affairs and business of the orchestra. The Corporation meets in general session in September through June, and at the discretion of the Board during the year. The Corporation is governed by a Board of Directors elected at the September Annual General Meeting. New Board members are always welcome. Working committees are established by the Board. Directors and Committee chairs are listed on the back cover.
Student Representatives are selected by the musicians each year at the Banff Youth Symposium in November.
The South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra is funded in part by ongoing support from the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association and Saskatchewan Lotteries.
Join the SSYO or membership is by audition, and the present roster includes members from Stoney Beach, Weyburn, Yorkton, and Regina. Many SSYO members have gone on to join the Regina Symphony Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and other professional orchestras across Canada.