Mondays, September-May
Artistic Director/Conductor: Emanuele Andrizzi
Conductor: Keith Hulen
Conductor: Jillian Forbes
Join an ensemble. Have fun playing unique and challenging music. Read more about our three levels of orchestras for grades 5-12 in the FAQs section below!
Perform with us!
Be a part of MCYO!
Auditions are competitive and open to string, woodwind, brass and percussion students. Certain sections may have limited space available.
What is the cost to join MCYO?
Tuition is $495-$765 depending on the orchestra. Tuition covers 70% of the total cost to run the program. Donations, grants and ticket sales cover the rest. Extensive financial aid is available. Our goal is to make orchestra as accessible for all as possible.
Upcoming Concerts
Concert Update – click “buy tickets” to receive your free link to the online video. Tickets are free for the March and May concerts. Donations are appreciated and encouraged.
| Nov. 1 | 3:00pm | YouTube Live | MCYO Fall Concert: Extraordinary Diversity | |
| Dec. 20 | 3:00pm | YouTube Live | MCYO Holiday Concert: Merry MCYO! | |
| Mar. 21 | 4:00pm | Virtual Ticket Required | MCYO Winter Concert: Extraordinary Resilience | Buy Tickets |
| May 8 | 6:00pm | TBD | MCYO Spring Concert: Extraordinary Hope | Buy Tickets |
Frequently Asked Questions
Auditions for the 2021-2022 Season will be held on June 5, 2021. Students may audition in person or over Zoom!
MCYO is committed to providing you with exceptional music education and performance opportunities that build upon and fine-tune your skills in ensemble performance as well as expand and broaden your exposure to unique and challenging repertoire.
All orchestras rehearse at First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, 461 Pierson St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
MCYO typically has four concerts: a Fall Concert in October, a Holiday Concert in December, a Winter Concert in March, and a Spring Concert in May.
Yes, need-based financial aid is available to all families and individuals. We believe that music is an integral part of everyone’s life. Read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.
- Prelude: formal; black on bottom, white on top
- Intermezzo: formal; black on bottom, white on top
- Symphony: formal; all black or tuxedo
Retreat is the kick off event of our season! All orchestras participate in team-building activities, rehearse in sectionals as well as the large group, and have free time to meet their peers and hang out. The practice time provides a great foundation for the rest of the rehearsals. Retreats typically take place at a hotel or conference center with a pool, outdoor games, and lounge area.
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