In 2020 The Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra (SYO) enters its twentieth year of providing tuition and performance opportunities for aspiring young musicians on the South Coast.

SYO, the flagship orchestra for the Shoalhaven, has appointed local musician Ryley Gillen as the organisation's manager.

Ryley is currently Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the ballet company Illawarra On Pointe Productions and is a board member to the Create NSW Classical Music Advisory Board, an organisation which guides multi-million dollar funding for artistic companies across the state.

Ryley grew up in Nowra Hill and has first hand experience in performing as a student in the SYO.

"It's an honour to be involved with the SYO once again, especially as it enters its twentieth year of operating," he said.

"As a music student there were numerous opportunities and rare experiences offered to me that have stuck with me for my musical career. To be able to return to this organisation and offer support for its growth and continue providing opportunities for emerging musicians is an exciting prospect.

"It's our orchestra, it's the community's orchestra and in 2020 it's going to be bigger and better."

Enrolments are now open for the Junior Strings ensemble, Orchestra and annual camp that the SYO hosts for student orchestral musicians.

There are tailored classes available for toddlers that introduce them to the wonderful world of music. The SYO is encouraging all interested student musicians to enrol before ensemble rehearsals resume on Tuesday February 4.