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Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras

CYSO IS INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF MUSIC AND THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS

CYSO IS INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF MUSIC AND THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS

Have you dreamed of playing in CYSO? Make that dream a reality—New student auditions for orchestra, steelpan, and jazz are open now!

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CYSO's Symphony Orchestra triumphed at their fall concert at Orchestra Hall. Playing to a packed house, students performed the Chicago premiere of Zhou Tian's "Transcend" and brought the audience to their feet with a room-shaking rendition of Saint-Saens’ Organ Symphony.

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CYSO joined with music organizations from across the city to announce a $3.5 million grant to fund the creation of the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI).

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About CYSO

CYSO's mission is to inspire and cultivate personal excellence through music. We believe that ensemble music training develops young people with the skills necessary to achieve, whether in or outside the music world.

Through orchestras and small ensembles led by some of Chicago's most respected music educators, students develop self-discipline, communication and collaboration skills, and a deep appreciation for the arts.

With more than 650 young musicians ages 6-18 in on-site programs, and another 8,500 students in Community Partnership Programs, CYSO is investing in the future of music and the next generation of leaders.

ABOUT CYSO'S PROGRAMS

CYSO'S IMPACT, AT A GLANCE

194 Different Zip Codes
1 in 4 families receive financial assistance
93% student retention each season
50k annual instruction hours
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CYSO Spotlight

CYSO's Keith Calloway was recently named to Chicago's 2019 Rising Star Honor Roll, a city-wide recognition for the city's most accomplished young creatives.

Keith, who began studying music at age 5 and was part of our inaugural steel orchestra along with playing cello in CYSO ensembles, write that "being a member of CYSO has allowed me to not only develop essential skills for musicianship, but also skills working in groups and leadership.”

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Upcoming Shows and Events

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Making Music in Chicago's Neighborhoods

We believe that the arts are vital to building strong communities. CYSO Community Partnership Programs include neighborhood-based ensembles, free workshops and concerts, and ongoing collaborations with organizations doing innovative and important work throughout Chicago.

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CYSO News

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INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF MUSIC

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CYSO relies on the generosity of our donors to continue to provide the highest caliber music education to young musicians. With tuition only covering 30% of the total cost of each student’s participation, your generous gift empowers young people from all backgrounds to hone their musical skills, learn teamwork, and gain the self-confidence and discipline necessary for a successful future.

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