Greetings, and welcome to a new season of the SDSYO.

As I write this, I have just rehearsed the youth orchestra in preparation for their side-by-side performance of Smetana's "The Moldau" with the SDSO on Saturday evening. I am so proud of these students who have prioritized music in their lives, for all of the discipline and teamwork, and for their dedication to the pursuit of beauty.

Creating beauty together is an immensely enriching and rewarding activity, not only for individuals, but for our community. Listening together to music and playing it together simply makes us better people. We can all take these experiences with us wherever we go in life. Students especially need beauty in their lives in order to grow well, to pursue goals with the right and best intent. Every moment spent in the pursuit of their personal best in music is an investment in our future together.

Thank you all, parents and relatives and friends, for allowing us to be a part of your child's journey.

Delta David Gier
SDSO Music Director