Values & Beliefs, Mission, Goals, Diversity & Inclusion

The Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing young instrumental musicians with opportunities to expand their knowledge of music by learning and performing diverse repertoire for symphony orchestra and chamber music ensembles.

Values & Beliefs

The Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon (YSSO) organization believes that music and the arts contribute to the success and vitality of communities.  The YSSO believes in the instrumental value of music in learning and the intrinsic value of music in our lives and communities. The YSSO believes that skills must be nurtured through best practices in performance and pedagogy, high-quality resources and rigorous standards. The YSSO believes that music must be available to regardless of cultural, geographic, socio-economic or other circumstances. The YSSO inspires community support for music through affordable, accessible performances and programs. The YSSO is dedicated to artistic quality, fiscal integrity, professional management, thoughtful governance and careful stewardship of resources.

Mission

The Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon (YSSO) organization provides exceptional performance experiences and training under the leadership of a professional conductor and professional musicians and fosters lifelong appreciation of music and the arts.

Goals

The goals of the YSSO organization are to:

  • offer access to high-level training and performance opportunities;
  • develop technical, interpretive, listening and performance skills;
  • promote the development of creative workforce skills such as teamwork, empathy, discipline;
  • work with professional musicians and cultural networks/organizations;
  • supplement music programs in schools and communities; and
  • engage and build audiences by providing affordable, accessible cultural enrichment.

Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Statement

The Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon (YSSO) believes in the inherent dignity of all individuals and that the inclusion of diverse experiences and perspectives strengthens the organization and builds its capacity to welcome complex challenges, dismantle barriers, think critically, cultivate empathy, make good decisions and explore new opportunities.

The YSSO organization believes effectiveness, high performance and program excellence require an environment of respect and belonging, as well as equitable policies, fair and consistent practices, and meaningful engagement.

The YSSO organization believes in and respects diverse traditions, talents, voices, influences, heritages, beliefs, identities, opinions, backgrounds, attributes, skill sets and experiences.

The YSSO organization recognizes the important contributions made by diverse peoples and strives to use music as a catalyst for community engagement and social understanding.

The YSSO believes that music must be available to all, regardless of cultural, geographic or financial considerations. The organization fosters inclusion through access to music training and performance opportunities by ensuring that all qualified musicians may participate in the YSSO regardless of socio-economic circumstances.

The Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon and all associated with the organization strive to honor diverse cultural values, to champion the dignity of all individuals and to act in ways consistent with organizational values.