NYSSSA - School of Orchestral Studies

We're beginning the big process of digitizing our NYSSSA choral and orchestral studies CD, DVD, and Vinyl media.

Until the day comes that we can share all of these wonderful memories online, check out some previous orchestral studies performances that were recorded and provided by Skidmore College!

https://vimeo.com/429393162

https://vimeo.com/429393815

School of Choral Studies alumni, Cat Sweeney, attended from 2012-2015 at the SUNY Fredonia campus "where countless memorable moments unfolded". Keep reading for Cat's heartwarming story of the power of our Choral Studies program:

"One cherished tradition was the meeting for the last sunset of the program on Three-Man Hill at the University of Fredonia, where we shared heartfelt reflections about what the program meant to us.

NYSSSA was a sanctuary where everyone felt embraced for who they truly were. Amidst tales of overcoming adversity, finding belonging, and forging lifelong friendships, the sense of community was palpable.

One year, as curfew approached, the sharing persisted so late that counselors had to move us indoors so that everyone would have a chance to share. Personally, NYSSSA was my haven since age 13, where I found myself, grew my confidence, and formed lifelong friendships.

The impact of NYSSSA extended far beyond my musical journey. It was where I cultivated resilience, learned to navigate new environments, and discovered new perspectives.

This foundation propelled me through a wide range of endeavors, from studying sociology and music at Princeton University to conducting refugee education research in Uganda and consulting across the country.

NYSSSA's immersive experience is unparalleled, yet its accessibility remains a challenge. State support is imperative to ensure equitable access to such transformative programs.

In essence, NYSSSA was more than a music program; it was a catalyst for personal and professional growth, fostering skills and relationships that endure to this day. Its revival is not just desired but necessary, offering future generations the same enriching opportunities that shaped my life profoundly.

Thank you for the work you’re doing to recover this program."

Alumni from Orchestral, Choral, Ballet, and Dance - we've heard your concerns and we want to hear more from you.

For next year, we've already requested an increase in funding. For this year, we would like to focus on celebrating and highlighting your stories.

We're asking you to send us an email at [email protected] with the subject line "Alumni Outreach".

Listed below are some questions we would like to hear your perspective on.
• What program(s) were you a part of and year(s).

• Most memorable moments, connections, and emotions from your time at NYSSSA.
• How did your experience influence or impact you? This doesn’t just need to apply to your career path. Were there any skills you gained that affected your personal growth?
• Why is NYSSSA so important? What should legislators, educators, and prospective students know about this immersive experience?

Email us: 💻 [email protected]
Call us: 📞 518-474-8773

🩰Don’t miss out on a summer arts experience🎶

If you’re interested in pursuing an outside arts opportunity anywhere in New York State this summer, check out our Empire State Summer Arts Scholarship.

Art programs can specialize in music, theatre, dance, creative writing, ballet, design, and more.

The intent of this scholarship program is to fill any remaining funding gaps after receiving tuition aid from the program itself.

Deadline to apply is April 19‼️

Please see our website for general requirements, application form, and more information:

https://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa/arts-scholarship-program

Email us: 💻 [email protected]

Call us: 📞 (518) 474-8773

NYSSSA’s In-Residency program has returned! We’re excited to host NYSSSA’s schools of Visual Arts, Media Arts, and Theatre this summer at SUNY Fredonia.

Apply now to join us for a 3-week In-Residency summer program held from July 6-July 27, 2024. Students will be immersed in their chosen artistic discipline while working closely with renowned artists to receive personalized coaching, pre-professional training, and have an unparalleled summer experience.

Deadline to apply for our Visual Arts and Media Arts programs are March 15, 2024.

Deadline to apply for our Theatre program is March 8, 2024, with Zoom Callbacks happening on March 16/17, 2024.

Application information can be found on our website: https://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa/nysssa-residency-program

Questions? Email us at [email protected]



Don’t see your chosen discipline? We also have our Arts Scholarship Program where you can attend another art program in New York State. Arts programs can specialize in music, theatre, dance, creative writing, ballet, fine arts, design, and more.

Scholarship application deadline is April 19, 2024.

Application information can be found on our website: https://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa/arts-scholarship-program

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

NYSSSA In-Residency Program Established in 1970, the New York State Summer School of the Arts Program has trained over 18,000 students since its inception. The In-Residency NYSSSA Program offers an immersive summer experience for high school artists. The 3-week summer program will take place at SUNY Fredonia and delivers robus...

The New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) will offer a total of $150,000 in scholarship opportunities for high school students to attend other regional summer arts programs for summer 2022, the State Education Department announced today. Students can apply for a scholarship through May 1st via an online application on the NYSSSA website: http://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa
No virtual or in-person NYSSSA program will be offered in Summer 2022.

All in person NYSSSA auditions have been cancelled. More information will be made available this month.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this turbulent time.

We’re all set up at NYSSMA! Come visit us at 11:15 tomorrow (12/3) to take a group alumni photo! Can’t wait to see you all!

NYSSSA Mailing List Join our mailing list!

The 2021 NYSSSA School of Orchestral Studies presented their final Virtual Chamber Music Recital on August 13th over Zoom. You can find a link to the Youtube playlist containing all of the student performances below. Bravo!

Hoffman Quintet - NYSSSA School of Orchestral Studies 2021 Virtual Chamber Music Recital NYSSSA School of Orchestral Studies 2021Virtual Chamber Music RecitalPresented on August 13, 2021Quintet for Harp and Strings in C Minor - E.T.A Hoffman1. Al...

LAST DAY TO SUBMIT! Send us your application and audition materials by the end of the day today in order to be considered for the 2021 School of Orchestral Studies!

Due to some confusion, we've decided to extend the deadline to submit all applications and audition materials to this FRIDAY 5/7!
Here is a link to the application materials page: http://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa/orchestra/audition/school-orchestral-studies-application-process