Youngstown, OH (September 26, 2023): Stambaugh Auditorium received $5,000 from the Kennedy Family Fund and the Arnett Family Fund, components funds of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, in support of the Stambaugh Youth Concert Band (SYCB).

The Stambaugh Youth Concert Band (SYCB) provides students in grades 9 to 12 with mentorship and professional development opportunities through weekly rehearsals and multiple performance opportunities throughout the school year. Students from schools throughout seven counties in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania are selected through an audition process each school year. As SYCB students, they get to experience auditions, rehearsals, and concerts in the Stambaugh Auditorium concert hall in a professional setting under the direction of talented directors.

SYCB has occurred annually since 2001, and has become a great growth experience for young musicians seeking to develop their musical talents. In many cases, SYCB has provided a step up for students, providing them opportunities beyond their school’s music programs to grow musically. The goal of SYCB is to cultivate young musicians to sustain the performing arts and encourage them in their musical journey.