Parent Portal
School Music Participation Policy
CSYSA firmly believes that students gain the greatest benefit when school music programs and the Association work in partnership. To support music education throughout the Pikes Peak region, CSYSA upholds the following board-approved policy.
"The Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association recognizes that public and private school music programs are essential to its existence as these programs help launch most students into their musical careers. The Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association expects that all CSYSA musicians participate in their school music programs. CSYSA students are important leaders in their respective educational institutions and it is expected that they contribute to their music programs to the best of their ability unless there are prohibiting circumstances or reasons."
2025 - 2026 Parent Managers
Wolfgang:
Regina DeVaul
Nessie Pyziak
Amadeus:
Lori Bautista
Nessie Pyziak
Allegro:
Roxanne Skinner
Krystal Clark
Vivace:
Veni Nirmalakhandan
Salina Roof
Jason Smith
Pinnacle:
Katherine Kinney
Ascent:
Kristen Marsh
Bravo! Winds:
Sylvia Davis
Pikes Peak Winds:
Jennifer Dahle-Melsaether
Ovation:
Wendy Dodge
Sarah Heitke
Sheila Glazier
Youth Symphony:
Stacy Cowell
Christy Sobers
For Parent Manager contact information, please contact the office at office@csysa.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I audition?
A. Visit our Auditions page to find the most recent information on upcoming auditions.
Q. How are musicians selected for specific groups?
A. Students participate in auditions evaluated by independent musical judges and conductors and receive membership invitations based on these recommendations.
Q. What kind of time commitment is required to be part of the CSYSA?
A. All groups have a 2 hour rehearsal scheduled once a week during the academic school year and musicians are expected to participate in all rehearsals. The concert schedule varies from as few as one performance a semester to multiple concerts in the higher level groups. Musicians also attend a two or three day summer camp at the beginning of each season and will have a tour opportunity of at least a couple of days a year.
Q. Why should my child be in the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association?
A. The mission of the Association is to inspire young musicians to be leaders, provide artistic development and diverse musical experiences, and share exceptional music that bridges cultures.
Q. What ages can participate?
A. We serve students ages 7-20! Placement in CSYSA groups is based on skill level, not age, but we have something suitable for every young musician.
Q. What does CSYSA cost?
A. Please visit our Tuition page for more detailed information.
Q. Should I be in my school music program?
A. The CSYSA recognizes that public and private school music programs are essential to its existence as these programs help launch most students into their musical careers. The CSYSA strongly encourages and advises that all CSYSA musicians participate in their school music programs. CSYSA students are important leaders in their respective educational institutions and it is expected that they contribute to their music programs to the best of their ability unless there are prohibiting circumstances or reasons.
Q. What group should my child audition for given his/her level of experience?
A. Musicians do not audition for a specific group, but rather they audition in front of judges who will decide to offer the auditioner a spot in a group that is appropriate for him/her based on the audition.
Q. How do I schedule my audition?
A. Visit our Audition Sign Ups page to schedule your time, then be sure to fill out an Audition Application Form online.
Q. What should my child prepare for his/her audition?
A. Instructions on what to prepare as well as all of the excerpts for each instrument can be found on the Audition Music page. New excerpts for the upcoming season are always posted April 1st.
Q. Which excerpts should my musician prepare?
A. Choose excerpts that your musician can play the best. The judges want to hear how well you perform a piece. Choosing a piece that is too difficult for your musician to perform well is not impressive. Scales and sight reading are just as important as the excerpts, so practice these items frequently.
Q. Which version of minor scale should my musician prepare for his/her audition?
A. Natural, harmonic, or melodic are all acceptable!
Q. What should my child wear for his/her audition video?
There is no dress code for auditions, but it is always a good idea for musicians of all ages to present themselves professionally for any gig or audition, just as one would for a job interview!
Q. When will we hear about the results of my child's audition? How will we be notified?
Our administrative staff will begin processing the results provided by the judges during the week following auditions, so you can expect to receive notification within 1-2 weeks of your audition. Notifications are sent to all e-mail addresses listed on the Audition Application Form.
Our Current Newsletter
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School & Private Teachers
The Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association believes passionately that strong school music programs are essential to the development of young musicians. We support our local school music teachers and recognize them for the invaluable work they do in supporting their students in music.
Many of our auditioned ensembles participate in local outreach tours to area schools each spring. Our groups present upbeat, 30-minute concerts at each school, focusing on promoting the performing arts and school music programs.
If you are interested in booking one of our groups for your school, please contact CSYSA Music Director Gary Nicholson. Please be sure to include your name, school name, contact information, the group you would like to have perform, and the best time of day for your school (please allow 30 minutes on either side of the performance for our arrival and departure).
The following groups are available:
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Pikes Peak Wind Symphony (band)
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Middle and high schools
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Middle and high schools
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Elementary and middle schools
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All levels
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Elementary school
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Bravo! Winds (band)
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Elementary and middle schools
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Private Teachers
The CSYSA encourages all of its musicians to study their instrument with any of the highly qualified private teachers who maintain a studio in the Pikes Peak Region. Private lessons allow students to develop their technique as well as essential musicianship skills necessary to becoming skilled performers.
If you are looking for a private teacher please don't hesitate to contact us for referrals. Our staff are happy to make recommendations and provide private contact information.
Parent Volunteer Opportunities
If you would like to share your photos with CSYSA, please contact the CSYSA Office directly.
Yearbook Team
Whether it is taking pictures of events and rehearsals, or compiling the memories for the yearbook publication, our Yearbook Team is an essential part of CSYSA Operations. The Yearbook Team meets regularly during the season to prepare the yearbook and take photos.
Concert Operations &
Stage Volunteers
We love a BIG production! Join the team of CSYSA Staff at our Concert Venues as we prepare the stage between performances and make the "magic happen" behind the scenes. Duties could involve pre-concert decorating and moving chairs between groups. Operations Assistants help during CSYSA concert days, and do not regularly meet outside of events.
Parent Managers and Parent Council
Our Parent Managers are present at Camp, Rehearsals, Parent Council Meetings, and Performances. They are leaders at CSYSA and a first line of contact for our students, aside from their ensemble director. Our Parent Council Chair represents CSYSA parents and their families as a voting member on the Board of Directors.
The CSYSA Office sends emails of upcoming Parent Council Meetings. Please contact the CSYSA Office if you are not receiving these email notifications.
Fundraising
We value music education and want to ensure that no musician declines a position because of finances. Fundraising is an important element of financial stewardship. CSYSA Students may fundraise continuously throughout their tenure at CSYSA to fund travel and tuition.
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Adams & Sons: Get your oil changed at Adam & Sons or have your car repaired, and they will donate in your name to your travel account.
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Program Ads: Every year we publish advertisements for local businesses in our programs. Most of these ads are sold to local companies by musicians. For every ad sold, musicians earn at least 50% of the ad price for their accounts. A copy of the Program Ad Request form can be found on the Parent page of our website or picked up in the CSYSA office.
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Travel Fundraiser: Our optional travel fundraiser this year will occur throughout the season. All funds raised through this fundraiser will be credited to student travel accounts. These orders can earn a lot of money for our families. Details about this fundraiser will be announced later in the season. All fundraising for travel accounts is non-refundable.
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King Soopers Community Rewards: King Soopers and City Market Grocery Stores will contribute 5% of your grocery purchases made with your loyalty card to the CSYSA. To participate, you must create an online account at www.kingsoopers.com and enroll your loyalty card with our organization through that account. Once you register your loyalty card number with the CSYSA office, 5% of your grocery purchases will aid our organization in keeping tuition costs down and pursuing our mission. King Soopers cards can no longer credit student accounts.
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Program Ad Fundraiser: The Program Ad form will be e-mailed to all families and can be obtained from the office upon request. Program ads will be in the program for the following concerts:
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October Fall Concerts (2 concerts)
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December Holiday Concert
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March Winter Concerts (3 concerts)
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April Spring Concerts (3 concerts)
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Program ads are available in several sizes:
Business card (2" x 3.5")
Quarter page (2.5" x 3.75" or 4.5" x 2.25")
Half page (2.5" x 7.75" or 4.5" x 3.75")
Full page (4.75" x 7.75")
Funds raised for student travel are carried over annually to support regional and international tours across multiple seasons. Donations for students are accepted but do not qualify for tax credits; they are applied to tuition, not tour accounts. Per Colorado fundraising regulations, all funds raised are non-refundable and will be directed to a scholarship fund for those in need.
Concert Dress Guidelines
Requirements for all musicians in all ensembles
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No colored nail polish
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No prominent jewelry, i.e. no watches, dangly earrings, necklaces, or prominent piercings
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One set of stud earrings in a neutral color is permitted
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Natural hair colors only (no blues, pinks, etc.)
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Long hair must be tied back completely out of the face
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No open-toed shoes or exposed feet
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No rolled-up sleeves
Musicians who fail to meet the concert dress requirements may not be permitted to perform.
Youth Symphony
Ovation Youth Orchestra
Pikes Peak Wind Symphony
Bravo! Winds
Pinnacle Jazz
Vivace Strings, Allegro Strings, Amadeus Strings
Ascent Big Band
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CSYSA short sleeve logo black polo shirt
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Black dress flats or dress shoes (no sequins, glitter, buckles, or shine)
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Black dress pants or long black skirt
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Black socks or tights (no opaque hose or leggings)
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Black Belts (optional)
CSYSA black polos are ordered directly from our shirt vendor.
Click here to order.
To purchase:
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Hover over the “Team Stores” menu at the top
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Click “Your Team Store”
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Login using the username 'shop@csysa.com' and password: 'csysa' (all lower case)
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Select size and number
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Checkout to complete your order
Instrumentalists:
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Black/charcoal suit or dress
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Black dress shoes
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Black belt, black tights, black socks, etc.
Vocalists:
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Director's discretion (skirts must stay at 1-inch above the knee or lower)
Option 1, Dress:
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Black tights, no opaque hose or leggings
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Black dress flats, no sequins, glitter, buckles, or shine
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Black dress - Click Here to Purchase
Option 2, Tuxedo:
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Tuxedo (no tails)
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White tuxedo shirt (white buttons)
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Black cummerbund and bowtie
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Black dress socks and black dress shoes
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Tuxedos may be order from any vendor (see below for promotional offer)
Informal concert attire
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CSYSA logo black polo shirt
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Black dress shoes
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Black dress pants
Wolfgang String Orchestra
Mozart Strings Project
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CSYSA camp t-shirt
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Black dress shoes
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Black dress pants or long black skirt
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T-shirt will be provided at Strings Camp in August
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CSYSA-issued t-shirt
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Black dress shoes
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Black dress pants or long black skirt
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Mozart String Project t-shirts are ordered by the office based on the shirt size indicated on each musician’s enrollment packet. Teachers will distribute them to students before the first performance.
Tuxedo Promotional Offer
Gentlemen's Choice Tuxedos is offering a $200.99 Classic Poly Tux Package for CSYSA members that includes:
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Professional Measurements
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Shipping to our location
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Quality Control check and FREE first-pressing
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Tuxedo Coat
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Adjustable Tuxedo Trousers
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White Wing-tip Pleated Tuxedo Shirt
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Bow Tie & Cummerbund
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FREE Tuxedo Travel Garment Bag
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FREE Trousers Hem & Coat Sleeve Alterations for life, providing items fit.
Tuition Assistance
CSYSA has expanded available tuition assistance to ensure that all students can participate. We encourage anyone experiencing hardship to apply for tuition assistance.
An application may be requested during the enrollment process, and you will need to attach your most recent Form 1040 and any documentation of special circumstances. Financial assistance awards are sent in September.
Students receiving scholarships are expected to participate in fundraisers to help offset the cost of any travel needs. Occasionally, CSYSA awards Merit Scholarships based on students’ talents, leadership, passion, and discipline.
Please see the Executive Director or group conductor for more information.
Student Absence Notification
CSYSA Tuition
"Participation in Youth Symphony ensembles strengthens my students as players, increases their motivation, and makes them leaders in their school programs. I highly recommend auditioning for the CSYSA!"
Nancy Andrew, Flute Instructor
The Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association offers a comprehensive, year-long program beginning with summer camp in July and August and ending with our Spring Concerts in May. Our tuition rates are all-inclusive and are subsidized through fundraising, donor cultivation, and other marketing activities. Tuition fees cover the following:
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Weekly 2-hour rehearsals from late-August through April
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Weekly sectional instruction with top professionals
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3-day sleep-away summer music camp in the beautiful Colorado Rockies for upper level winds, strings, and orchestral groups.
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Day Camps for lower level strings and jazz groups.
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Low-price discounted tickets to 4 concerts per year at the Ent Center for the Arts, the Pikes Peak Center, and other area venues
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Local outreach tours
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Opportunities to work with invited guest artists
Other Opportunities with CSYSA membership
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Chamber Music Program: Chamber ensemble rehearsal coached by professional chamber musicians with opportunities to perform at the Ent Center for the Arts and in the community.
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Weekend 1-day instrument camps throughout the year featuring small group
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Young Artist Solo Competition*: Held every January, this competition allows young musicians to audition in front of a panel of judges in Packard Hall at Colorado College. The Competition is open to members of Youth Symphony, Ovation, and Pikes Peak Wind Symphony. The top 5 winners receive scholarships and various solo performance opportunities. The 1st place winner is featured with the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony. (*A $20 audition fee applies.)
2026-2027 Tuition Rates
Colorado Springs Youth Symphony
Ovation Youth Orchestra
Pikes Peak Winds
Bravo! Winds
Vivace String Orchestra
Allegro String Orchestra
Amadeus String Orchestra
Wolfgang String Orchestra
Ascent Big Band
Pinnacle Jazz
$1,530
$1,479
$1,435
$1,300
$1,440
$1,340
$1,190
$1,000
$1,020
$1,025
With financial aid, fundraising, discounted tickets, camps, local tours, master classes, and professional weekly sectionals, you will not find a better value for your student than participation in the CSYSA!
CSYSA Tuition vs Other Large Youth Orchestras Across the USA
Compare with
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Club sport programs: $1,500-$5,000+ annually
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Marching band: $300-$1500 per year
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Studio Dance: $500-$2,000 annually