CYSO’s Class of 2021
July 6, 2021
A warm congratulations to the 107 members of CYSO’s class of 2021! We’re so proud of the dedication shown by this year’s seniors, tackling a strange and stressful season with […]
CYSO Stories
How Indian Classical Music Connects CYSO Violinist with Her Heritage
May 17, 2021
As we celebrate Asian-American and Pacific Islander Month throughout the month of May, is a great opportunity to reflect on the musical experiences that can help connect individuals to their […]
CYSO’s Adriana Koch Shares Her Experience as a CMPI Fellow
December 20, 2020
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) identifies orchestral students from underrepresented backgrounds and those from low-income backgrounds or who would be the first in their family to attend college and prepares […]
CYSO’s Rafael Noriega Named to Chicago’s 2020 Rising Star Honor Roll
October 23, 2020
CYSO is pleased to announce that Rafael Noriega has been recognized by the City of Chicago as a member of the 2019 Rising Star Honor Roll. The city of Chicago […]
After COVID Cancelation, CYSO Alum Lauren Makinney Organizes Front Yard Concert
October 19, 2020
COVID-19 cancelations have been hard of musicians of all ages, but for last spring’s high school seniors it was especially heartbreaking. Not satisfied to let all her practice go to […]
Young Musicians Create Music Mentoring Program During COVID-19
April 28, 2020
Social distancing brings many challenges, not the least of which is trying to stay connected to each other and the things we love. CYSO Social Media Team member and Philharmonic […]
CYSO Cellist Creates The Swan Project to Bring Hope During Difficult Times
April 20, 2020
CYSO students display their resilience and creativity on a daily basis, and never more so than now as we continue music-making while socially distant. CYSO Social Media Team member and […]
CYSO Bassist Gives Back: Nicholas Boettcher and The No Repeats Program
November 7, 2019
In 2017, then 13-year-old bassist Nicholas Boettcher had an idea to bring music lessons to teens serving time in the juvenile detention center near his home in Naperville. With the […]
CYSO’s Keith Calloway Named to Chicago’s Rising Star Honor Roll
August 6, 2019
We’re pleased to announce that Keith Calloway has been recognized by the City of Chicago as a member of the 2019 Rising Star Honor Roll. Presented by Mayor Lori Lightfoot […]
“I Value My Best Effort”: How Concert Orchestra’s Evan McMahon Learns Resiliency and Gives Back
April 23, 2019
Evan McMahon is a violinist in CYSO’s Concert Orchestra and junior at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School who also plays in the Whitney Young Chamber Orchestra. In addition to […]
