James Christie playing the flute for the 1960 Youth Symphony. Among other appearances, in March of 1965, he was the flutist in the Area Spring Musicale at Monte Vista Lodge in Lemon Grove. The San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory (SDYS) is the 6th oldest continuously operating youth symphony in the United States, and serves students from its home in Balboa Park. Skill levels range from beginner to pre-professional, with participating students ages 8 to 25.