Founded in 1936 in Berkeley, California, Young People’s Symphony Orchestra (YPSO) is the oldest independent youth orchestra in California, and the second oldest in the nation. For over 80 years - and counting - YPSO has developed the musical talents and skills of students in the San Francisco Bay Area. Today, many YPSO alumni are internationally distinguished musicians and prominent community members. Our mission is to guide young musicians to achieve excellence within an orchestral setting. We provide an educational environment that fosters accomplishment, serves as a cultural resource for the community, and builds future audience by instilling a passion for music. We encourage young people to become exemplary musicians, and young musicians to become exemplary people.