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 them for careers as professional musicians. As a member of the CMPI Steering Committee, CYSO is proud to be part of such an innovative program and support the 40% of …
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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 honored Rafael among a highly-selective group of young Chicagoans who have enriched the city through music, theatre, dance, visual arts, media arts, and literary arts. CYSO nominated Rafael in recognition …
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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 waste, a 2020 CYSO grad took matters into her own hands. Social Media Team member and Symphony Orchestra violinist Shreya Dudeja spoke with 2020 grad Lauren Makinney about the front …
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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 Orchestra violinist Shreya Dudeja recently spoke with four young musicians—including three CYSO members—who came together to create a program that pairs younger musicians with high school-age mentors to connect and …
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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 Philharmonic Orchestra violinist Shreya Dudeja recently interviewed Symphony Orchestra co-principal cellist Brandon Cheng about his newest musical venture, a virtual video collaboration with musicians across the globe that’s gone viral …
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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 help of his then 15-year-old brother Jack, a cellist, the two started The No Repeats Project. Nicholas, who is now 15 and co-principal bass in Symphony Orchestra, and Jack, a …
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