Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras has provided music education through orchestral programs and performance opportunities of the highest caliber since 1946.
CYSO serves more than 600 students ages 6-18 through four full orchestras, three string orchestras, steel orchestras, jazz orchestra, and supplemental programs including chamber music ensembles and composition. CYSO musicians receive superb orchestral and chamber music instruction from Chicago’s most respected professional musicians, perform in the world’s greatest concert halls, and gain the self-confidence and discipline necessary for a successful future.
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Programs
CYSO serves nearly 600 students ages 6-18 through four full orchestras, three string orchestras, steel orchestras, jazz orchestra, and supplemental programs. Musicians receive superb instruction and gain the skills necessary for a successful future.
Auditions
CYSO auditions are open to students who will be high school seniors or younger. Auditions for the upcoming season happen each spring. Tuition assistance is available for all programs for families with financial need.
Events
The best way to experience CYSO is to attend an event! From our annual fundraising gala, free community concerts, performances at Symphony Center’s venerable Orchestra Hall, we offer something for everyone.
Alumni
CYSO alumni play in the world’s finest orchestras and ensembles, as well many other respected professions. Regardless of whether they pursues further music studies, CYSO students leave with skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
CYSO is more than just music. For many students, it offers not only the chance to play with other musicians at an extraordinarily high musical level, but also valuable experiences and life lessons. Playing in an orchestra sets students up for lives and careers in all fields. Giacomo Glotzer recently graduated from high school at the University of Chicago Laboratory …
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In her senior year of high school at Lane Tech, Magali Coronado decided to try something new. Already an accomplished flute player, she joined CYSO’s most advanced steelpan ensemble, Kaiso Steel Orchestra. Before she heads off to Oberlin Conservatory this fall, CYSO Social Media Team member Oliver Talukder interviewed Magali to find out about her time in CYSO and what …
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2018 CYSO alum Lucy Mangalapalli was recently named to the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events’ (DCASE) 2018 Rising Star Honor Roll, recognizing her as one of Chicago’s most accomplished young creatives. Lucy was nominated by CYSO in recognition of her work as a young musician and exemplary community member. Madalyne Tregellas Maxwell, CYSO Director of Operations, said that …
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Jennifer Yu Wang is a (very) recent CYSO alum, having served as Symphony Orchestra co-principal flute during the 2017-2018 season before graduating this spring. As she reflected on the end of her time with CYSO, Jenny decided that her final post for the blog would focus on all the lessons she’s learned during her time in the program. In this …
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410 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite #833 | Chicago, IL 60605
Phone : (312) 939-2207 | Fax : Fax: (312) 939-2015
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