Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) is an orchestral music education organization in Chicago, Illinois that was founded in 1946 to provide music education and instrumental training of the highest quality to Chicago area youth. Organization Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) is located in the Chicago Fine Arts Building on S. Michigan Avenue. CYSO serves more than 600 students ages 6–18 in on-site ensembles including four full orchestras, three string orchestras, jazz orchestra, multiple steel orchestras, and enrichment opportunities including chamber music, masterclasses, and music composition. CYSO Community Partnership Programs support instrumental music training and music access, reaching 8,500 young people during the 2017-2018 season. The organization works with students in underserved neighborhoods through the Ambassador Program, which brings Chamber Music ensembles to neighborhood schools to perform interactive concerts; after-school ensembles; free community and education concerts; and partners with institutions including Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and The People's Music School. Programs On-site Ensembles: Symphony Orchestra Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Orchestra Debut Orchestra Accelerando Strings Preparatory Strings Overture Strings Steel Orchestras Jazz Orchestra Enrichment Programs Chamber Music Composition Seminar International Tours Chamber Orchestra Conducting Fellowship Ambassadors Organizational History CYSO was founded in 1946 by a group of students who, energized by a summer music camp, wanted to explore music closer to home throughout the school year. They first met on Saturday mornings at the Wurlitzer Music Store on South Wabash Avenue, and in November 1947, 100 young musicians held the first performance at Chicago's Orchestra Hall, featuring a program of Frescobaldi, Beethoven, MacDowell, and Kodaly. In 1960, CYSO moved to the historic Fine Arts Building, a center for arts and culture since 1898. Notable alumni Laurie Anderson, performance artist Anthony McGill, Principal Clarinet, New York Philharmonic Sheila Johnson, Co-founder of BET and CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts Andrew Bird, Singer/Songwriter Richard Davis (bassist), Bassist, Educator, Activist Demarre McGill, Principal Flute, Seattle Symphony Gordon Peters, Former Principal Percussion, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Austin Huntington, Principal Cello, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Emma Gerstein, Second Flute, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Robin Kesselman, Principal Bass, Houston Symphony Emma Steele, Concertmaster, Royal Danish Orchestra Ian Ding, Former Principal Percussion, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Artistic Staff 2017-2018 Season: Allen Tinkham - Musical Director and Symphony Orchestra conductor Steve Gooden - Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor Terrance Gray - Associate Conductor and Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Daniella Valdez - Director of String Ensembles Dr. Donald Deroche - Director of Chamber Music Malika Green - Director