St. Michael's High School senior Leticia Gonzales, 18, has been playing violin for nine years and has been involved with the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association for six. Every year at the May concert series, she's seen one student honored with a solo and she's always wanted to be that student. The student is picked via a concerto competition.

This year, Leticia Gonzales won the 2009 concerto competition and will be the featured soloist at the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association's May concert series, which starts today.

"I wanted to do it or a really long time," Gonzales said. "It's one of those positions that's really an honor to have and I'm glad that that's happening for me."

"Leticia is an extraordinarily gifted young musician who brings a unique combination of enthusiasm, intellect and leadership to our organization," said SFYSA Music Director Benjamin Klemme.

Gonzales plans to head off to The University of New Mexico, but said she will always come back to watch her peers when they perform.

"I'll definitely be coming back for the concerts," Gonzales said. "(The program) has been there for me through high school, so I'd like to support it in any way I can."

This spring marks the 15th year that the program has been providing Northern New Mexico youth with music-education opportunities. Executive Director Kelly Huber said that the program offers two concerts to the public every year — the Spotlight on Youth Concert and the May concert.

"The whole weekend is the highlight for me because it's really wonderful to see these kids prepare all semester and it's really a culmination of all their hard work," Huber said.

The SFYSA's 20 students will all be performing this weekend.

Although the concert is free, there is a suggested $10 donation. The donated funds will go to fund SFYSA's programs, including the student mentorship program, the scholarship program and the Endangered Instrument Program.

In addition to the music, students from Fine Arts for Children and Teens have created pictures that depict their interpretation of St. Paul's Suite by Gustav Holst. The artwork will be projected as the Youth Symphony Orchestra performs this piece.

Sunday is the day for both Gonzales' solo and a musical treat from the 17 students in the Con Vivo touring chamber orchestra, which is preparing for its trip to the Czech Republic and Germany in June.

"I hope that the youth symphony can continue to nurture people in the same way that it's helped me," Gonzales said. "It's a really wonderful organization and I'm really glad that it's here in Santa Fe. I hope it can continue to do its work."

Contact Ana Maria Trujillo at 986-3084 or atrujillo@sfnewmexican.com.

IF YOU GO

What: The Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association May concert series

Where: St. Francis Auditorium 107 W. Palace Ave.

When: 7 p.m., today: Mozart y Mariachi and Mariachi Estrella

* 7:30 p.m., Saturday: Charlie Parker & Miles Davis Jazz Ensembles

* 1 p.m., Sunday: Prelude & Intermezzo String Orchestras and Youth Philharmonia

* 2 p.m., Sunday: Con Vivo & Youth Symphony Orchestra

Cost: Free with a suggested $10 donation