If you’re here, someone thinks you should explore Contemporary Youth Orchestra (CYO)!
Student musicians across Northeastern Ohio want exciting, high-level music making experiences, to be surrounded by other passionate players, and to explore what’s next on stage and in life.
CYO exists to help students become confident, creative musicians in a one-of-a-kind community.
What makes CYO different?
- Exclusive focus on contemporary orchestral music
- Unconventional opportunities- student compositions, commissions, and Rock the Orchestra, a genre-bending performance with professional musicians
Introduction to real career paths in the music industry through coaching, collaboration, and industry involvement
At CYO, you don’t just play- you grow, explore, and make lifelong memories.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages 12-18
- Active participation in school program (homeschooled musicians and students without a school program exempt)
- Active private study
How to Join
- Complete Audition Registration Form at the bottom of this page
- Signup to Audition
- Audition!
- Complete registration materials & pay tuition ($600)
*CYO never turns away a student due to financial circumstances. Tuition assistance is available.
What to Expect
- Season: September – May
- Rehearsals: Saturdays, 8:30-12:30 pm, Denison Hall, Case Western Reserve University
- Rehearsals will typically include full ensemble sessions and small group instruction
- 3 Ensemble Performances per Season
- Additional opportunities include C Y We Write student composition program, concerto competition, small ensemble participation and performances
- Conductor: Kris Morron, Music Director of Contemporary Youth Orchestra
Repertoire
- CYOverture will play a wide variety of music, most of which will be grade 3 (or “medium”) with the most challenging being grade 4 (or medium advanced).
- Examples of pieces that CYOverture could perform include:
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- La Bruja by Jorge Vargas;
- Battle by Soon Hee Newbold;
- Waltz of the Wicked by Kirt N. Mosier;
- Orchid by Yukiko Nishimura;
- Subterranean Dialogues by Richard Meyer.
Thank you for your interest in CYO! Register to audition today! Questions? Email Orchestra Manager, Sarah Welty!