Programs
CYSO Orchestras & Ensembles
CYSO Offers These Ensembles
PHILHARMONIA
Conductor: Holli Young
This group introduces wind instruments into a string ensemble. Students work on full orchestra repertoire as well as strings-only compositions. This is an excellent starting point for full orchestra experience.
SYMPHONY
Conductor: Isaac Kay
A full symphony orchestra composed of our most skilled musicians. The Symphony works on the most advanced orchestra literature available.
WIND ENSEMBLE
Conductor: Dr. Grant Larson
All wind and brass players work with their conductor during the last hour of Monday’s classes on chamber music specifically arranged to further their wind ensemble skills. The wind ensemble will perform chamber pieces on each CYSO concert.
CYSO SPECTRUM STRING ENSEMBLE
Conductor: Isaac Kay
This small conductor-less ensemble includes some of the most advanced players from our Symphony orchestra. The group performs frequently in locations including the lobbies for Colorado Ballet, Colorado Symphony, Opera Colorado, as well as the State Capitol, art galleries, and other locations. In 2019 the CYSO SPECTRUM String Ensemble traveled to Prague and participated in the Prague Multicultural Music Festival. Students learn and perform a large range of repertoire such as Grieg’s Holberg Suite, Mozart Divertimento, K. 136, and Nielsen’s Suite for Strings. Classes are scheduled generally once a month, often on Sunday nights.
Chamber Camp
Thank you for a great 2026 Chamber Music Camp! See you in 2027!
Ages 6 Years through High School
Dates: Summer 2027 dates TBD!
Time: 9:00am – noon daily (final recital on Friday is free to the public!)
Location: Metropolitan State University Arts Building
Cost: $600 (includes a $150 non-refundable deposit)
Chamber Camp FAQs
Where is camp?
The CYSO Chamber Music Camp location is Metropolitan State University.
What do I bring to camp?
Water bottle, snack, music stand, chamber music (will come to you by email), and a pencil.
When is the final recital?
The final recital will be held Friday afternoon at the King Center Recital Hall.
What do I wear to camp?
Dress comfortably: shorts, whatever you want.
What do I wear for the recital?
Dressy, church-type clothing.
Who comes to the recital?
Friends and family!
Instrumental Bootcamp
Join us for the 2026 CYSO Instrumental Bootcamp for Strings and Winds!
This is nuts and bolts of playing and perfect to prepare for school auditions!
Dates: July 27-31, 2026
Time: 9:00am-Noon
Location: Metropolitan State University Arts Building
Price: $600 (includes $150 non-refundable deposit)
Mile High Outreach Program
With the shortage of public-school music programs, CYSO’s Mile High Strings Outreach Program gives over 600 children their first experience playing an instrument, and teaches discipline, creativity, teamwork, respect for achievement, and an appreciation of excellence. Music is a vital part of the human spirit. Watching CYSO members grow and develop, we see the experience opening their hearts and expanding their horizons. The CYSO always needs help in funding this important program.
CYSO Outreach Program In Action
These first year students, along with their teacher, are all in their first year of playing. This a wonderful example of what our teachers accomplish in a given school year. The students are not amazing players yet but they are amazing and ambitious students. We are proud of our CYSO outreach students and what they continue to accomplish!