Biography
Golden State Youth Orchestra
Golden State Youth Orchestra
Golden State Youth Orchestra (previously El Camino Youth Symphony) was founded in 1963 by William Galbraith, a young conductor who envisioned an orchestra that would give young musicians the opportunity to perform challenging professional repertoire. Two core principles underlie the GSYO mission: music education, to nurture, train and develop young musicians from culturally diverse backgrounds and encourage a lasting appreciation of music; and musical excellence, to provide high-quality performance opportunities for young people and outstanding musical events for the wider community.
More than 450 students in grades K–12, from more than 100 schools from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, train and perform in five orchestras and two ensembles, led by the award-winning, internationally recognized Symphony Orchestra. Concerts, tours, retreats, summer workshops, masterclasses, and music festivals form a vital part of the GSYO experience, creating opportunities for youth at all levels of musical experience to develop socially and artistically. No student is denied admission or excluded for reasons of financial need. A vibrant repertoire challenges young musicians to excel as ensemble and solo players. An ongoing program of performance and ticket outreach makes these programs accessible to a diverse community of underserved youth, families, and seniors.
Yun Song Tay, Music Director
Yun Song Tay has guest conducted orchestras across Asia, Europe, and North America, and was appointed music director of the Golden State Youth Orchestra in 2022. He previously served as assistant conductor for Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras from 2020–21 and Arizona State University Orchestra from 2018–21. He has also appeared with the Phoenix Symphony, Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina, Berlin Sinfonietta, European Youth Wind Orchestra, Dutch Royal Guards Band, Cleveland Heights Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra Collective (Singapore), MusicaNova Orchestra, and the US Army Field Band, and Cleveland Institute of Music New Music Ensemble. Dr. Tay received his doctorate of musical arts in orchestral conducting from Arizona State University and his master’s degree in orchestral conducting from Cleveland Institute of Music.
Golden State Youth Orchestra (previously El Camino Youth Symphony) was founded in 1963 by William Galbraith, a young conductor who envisioned an orchestra that would give young musicians the opportunity to perform challenging professional repertoire. Two core principles underlie the GSYO mission: music education, to nurture, train and develop young musicians from culturally diverse backgrounds and encourage a lasting appreciation of music; and musical excellence, to provide high-quality performance opportunities for young people and outstanding musical events for the wider community.
More than 450 students in grades K–12, from more than 100 schools from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, train and perform in five orchestras and two ensembles, led by the award-winning, internationally recognized Symphony Orchestra. Concerts, tours, retreats, summer workshops, masterclasses, and music festivals form a vital part of the GSYO experience, creating opportunities for youth at all levels of musical experience to develop socially and artistically. No student is denied admission or excluded for reasons of financial need. A vibrant repertoire challenges young musicians to excel as ensemble and solo players. An ongoing program of performance and ticket outreach makes these programs accessible to a diverse community of underserved youth, families, and seniors.
Yun Song Tay, Music Director
Yun Song Tay has guest conducted orchestras across Asia, Europe, and North America, and was appointed music director of the Golden State Youth Orchestra in 2022. He previously served as assistant conductor for Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras from 2020–21 and Arizona State University Orchestra from 2018–21. He has also appeared with the Phoenix Symphony, Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina, Berlin Sinfonietta, European Youth Wind Orchestra, Dutch Royal Guards Band, Cleveland Heights Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra Collective (Singapore), MusicaNova Orchestra, and the US Army Field Band, and Cleveland Institute of Music New Music Ensemble. Dr. Tay received his doctorate of musical arts in orchestral conducting from Arizona State University and his master’s degree in orchestral conducting from Cleveland Institute of Music.
