Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra

​The feature below is brought to you by Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, an organization that has received a See Beautiful Grant. For more information about our giving initiatives, please click  here.
To learn more about the featured organization, please visit their website here.

The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra believes that music is a catalyst for connection.

Founded in 2006, GYSO is the largest youth orchestra program in the southeast, encompassing five orchestras, a jazz ensemble, a percussion ensemble, and several instrumental chamber ensembles. Gifted and talented elementary through high school age musicians from across the state are selected through competitive auditions. Our mission is to inspire young people to discover their full potential through creativity and performance, and to build and develop the discipline and spirit to accomplish their musical goals.

What that really means is that we believe music can connect these talented young people to the beautiful potential within themselves. Music is a powerful medium. Studying music has tangible benefits like problem solving, time management and collaboration. It is connected with gains in math, science and critical thinking.

But it also has benefits that are less obvious, but even more beautiful.
The joyful complexity of making music with others helps us connect with our compassion, respect and kindness. The calculated risks of live performance help us connect with our courage. 

Attentiveness to sound connects us to our ability to listen and understand others.
Music connects us to history, other cultures, and the complex relationship between composers, society and ideas. Experiencing live music together connects us to others in an increasingly disconnected world.

We believe that GYSO helps students see the beautiful in themselves and in the world around them, and we believe that all students should have access to this powerful experience. That’s why we’re so grateful to See Beautiful for this grant that will provide scholarships for students who might otherwise not be able to afford the opportunity. Increasing access to musical development in a nurturing and supportive environment means that more students will be empowered to create and be heard from their own experiences.

Music does more than simply entertain. It nourishes, creates conversations and strengthens community ties. We imagine a future where we can see, hear and value the beauty of each other and we believe that our GYSO students are preparing for that beautiful future now. 

Submitted by: ​Suzane Tucker