The Central Valley Youth Symphony, based in Stockton, California, was established in 1965 with the purpose of providing young musicians with the opportunity to join an orchestra made up of other musicians of comparable skills and interests.

CVYS consists of 70 students between the ages of 8 and 22 years; 4 coaches from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music; two sectional directors; board of directors; and family and friends of the students.

CVYS has two symphony levels, the Central Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Tom Derthick and the Central Valley Preparatory Orchestra conducted by Shane Kalbach.