Rooted in Southeast Seattle, Music Youth Southeast (MY Southeast) is more than just a music program—it’s a celebration of community voice, a commitment to equity, and a powerful affirmation that every student deserves access to the joy and belonging that comes from making music together.

MY Southeast emerged in the 2021-22 season from SYSO’s Musical Pathways Project, a partnership with Seattle Public Schools created to strengthen music education in historically underserved neighborhoods by responding directly to the unique needs of each community. We worked hand-in-hand with educators, musicians, families, and community members to understand the unique needs of Southeast Seattle. From those conversations, a vision emerged—an inclusive, after-school orchestral program where young people could come together to create, connect, and grow through the power of music. Today, MY Southeast and its sibling ensemble, Cadenza, are proud to call Aki Kurose Middle School in Rainier Valley home.

Accessibility is at the heart of MY Southeast. There are no auditions, and tuition is optional—families can opt out at any time, no income verification required. Every young person who wants to join is welcome.

The program is supported by SYSO’s new pay-what-you-can tuition model, launched in the 2024–25 season, alongside government and institutional grants. But these sources only cover part of what it takes to run this program. To keep MY Southeast thriving, we rely on the generosity of our community—people like you who believe that music should be a right, not a privilege. Your support ensures that MY Southeast continues to be a place where young musicians feel seen, supported, and inspired.

MY Southeast 2025 Fundraiser

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Team Members