Grantee Database
NAPA VALLEY YOUTH SYMPHONY
Grant Year
2025-26
Grant Program
General Operating Support
Award Amount
$21,300.00
Project Description
With support from the California Arts Council, Napa Valley Youth Symphony will use general operating support to retain key administrative and artistic staff and expand program services for youth across Napa County. Grant funds will enable NVYS to strengthen its capacity to deliver high-quality music education, orchestral training, and performance experiences for students from diverse backgrounds. By investing in staff and core infrastructure, NVYS can enhance the consistency, impact, and reach of its programs, including its student coaching, mentorship, and community engagement initiatives. This support will also help sustain recent programmatic growth, such as the addition of the NOTES beginner program and expanded artistic leadership. CAC funding will play a critical role in helping NVYS fulfill its mission of empowering young musicians and building a more inclusive, connected, and culturally enriched community through music.
Organization Summary
The Napa Valley Youth Symphony (NVYS) offers a comprehensive music education program that supports student musicians from beginning to collegiate level. Serving over 100+ students ages 8–18 from 23 schools across the Napa Valley and nearby communities, NVYS provides a structured pathway through ensemble participation, professional coaching, and enrichment activities designed to foster musical and personal growth.
Our programming begins with NOTES, an introductory group coaching program for beginner strings, brass, and woodwind players, focusing on basic technique and ensemble readiness. Students then progress to our Preparatory Strings & Woodwinds Ensembles, which support the development of musical literacy and group performance skills in a nurturing environment. Sinfonia, our entry-level full orchestra, offers an engaging opportunity for advanced beginners and intermediate players to refine their technical and ensemble skills through age-appropriate repertoire and guided collaboration.
The Bridge ensemble helps intermediate students transition to the demands of advanced orchestral performance through focused coaching and challenging repertoire. At the highest level, the Youth Symphony performs collegiate-level works that cultivate advanced musicianship, leadership, and artistic expression. Advanced students also have the opportunity to participate in Chamber Ensembles for strings, brass, and woodwinds, where they explore intricate repertoire in small groups with individualized chamber coaching.
From August through May, ensembles meet weekly for 2–3 hours of rehearsal, supplemented by twice-weekly group coaching sessions. Students benefit from sectional instruction with professional Bay Area musicians, a fall retreat at Camp Cazadero, and specialized summer chamber music camps.
NVYS is committed to access and equity through robust tuition and private lesson scholarships, as well as mentorship programs that foster peer support. These programs work together to create a vibrant, inclusive community that empowers young musicians—regardless of background—to reach their full potential through music.
Organization
Napa Valley Youth Symphony
Address
PO Box 6594
Napa
94581
County
Napa
Region
Bay Area – Other
Phone
(707) 320-7225
Congressional District
California's 5th congressional district
State Assembly District
District 4
State Senate District
District 3
