SJYS has received the Ambassador's Award for Cultural Diplomacy for its performances in Poland[3] as well as letters of commendations from both the City of San Jose and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Philharmonic Orchestra has also partnered with various other musical groups in the past, including Chanticleer,[8] San Jose Taiko, Crystal Children's Choir, Children's Musical Theater San Jose, and other assorted non-profit or fundraising groups.
The Phil is also known for performing in benefit concerts, in which the net proceeds from sold tickets (and, if present, auctions) are donated to welfare causes.
During the usually-two-week-long trip, the musicians are given the chance to visit important monuments and buildings, spend some time with renowned soloists and ambassadors, and perform in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world.
Past tours have taken place in Ireland,[12] Belgium, Germany, Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic,[13] Japan, and Spain.
In the summer of 2009, the Philharmonic was the first California-based youth orchestra to tour South America, namely the countries of Chile and Argentina.
It is an intermediate-level ensemble with a mission of providing its musicians with a firsthand experience of playing in a full orchestra.
Ben Jones, who conducted the Concert Orchestra from 2007 to 2009, joined the Grammy award-winning men's choir, Chanticleer.
It is also aimed at proficient young musicians who express the desire to learn a woodwind or brass instrument.
The Prelude String Ensemble, conducted by Heidi Modr, gives beginning musicians a chance to play in a collective group with each other.
In addition to learning music theory, the students also get their first tastes of playing in an ensemble and following a conductor.
Conducted by Randy Cono, Intermezzo musicians graduate from learning technical skills and begin to develop musicality that will help prepare themselves for playing in a full orchestra.
While in Prelude the musicians focus on rhythm, dynamics, and other mechanical techniques, Intermezzo teaches the students skills such as listening.
Aside from the usually modern repertoire, the percussionists also learn about instrument care, setting up, and advanced musical techniques.
New and returning musicians alike are encouraged to participate in a weeklong summer camp before the official season begins, where they are given the chance to meet their conductors and get to know their fellow SJYS members.
The usual groupings follow: In addition to these places, SJYS has performed their season concerts at San Jose State University[16] and Le Petit Trianon Theatre.
The Flute Choir, for example, has performed annually at the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Santana Row.