My experience with Salem Youth Symphony has been extremely positive. The conductors are very experienced and take a group of kids who have never played music together before and in 8 weeks have them playing Mozart and Tchaikovsky! The leadership is very organized and professional as well as friendly and approachable. There is always someone welcoming me when I come in the door and giving information about upcoming events. I loved the annual fundraiser this year--very classy and fun to attend as well as bringing in good money for the organization. Thanks, SYSA, for providing such a great opportunity for my child!
This organization has over 50 years behind them. They produce a good product. Sorry to say that they act like they are in the teen-age years of a business. They do not realize the importance of knowledgable leadership and have loaded their board with artsy minded members. They need a balance of practical real-world people on their board. Their current fund-raiser is a look-good event. Way too much money is being spent for what they will take in. Didn't learn in past years, still doing much the same this year. High turn-over in Treasurers because they do not want to hear the real picture. They do not stick to their own rules set down in their by-laws. Neither do they change the by-laws to the way they now function. Definately a feel-good group.
Review from Guidestar