Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras

Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (MCYO) is the resident youth orchestra at The Music Center at Strathmore. MCYO is in its 72nd year and is one of the oldest and largest youth orchestra programs in the nation, attracting young musicians ages 6-18 from all around the Washington Metro region (Northern VA, DC, Montgomery, Howard, Frederick, Prince George, Baltimore counties and more!).  Over 500 talented musicians are selected each season and placed in one of 7 orchestras and other small ensembles, which include chamber music groups, clarinet and flute choirs, Percussion Ensemble, Harp Ensemble and more.  Annual auditions occur in late August.

MCYO also coordinates East County Strings, a free, after-school program for string players in 8-9 Middle schools in the eastern part of Montgomery County, under a special Strathmore East County initiative.

The mission of the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras is to nurture and develop young talented musicians and enrich the community with a quality orchestral experience.

MCYO provides an exceptional orchestral training program for aspiring young musicians: students whose intellectual and musical development profit enormously from exposure to great orchestral literature and the discipline and artistry required to perform at a high level. Now in its 72nd year, MCYO continues to enjoy a national reputation as an outstanding music program. MCYO conductors and coaches are all professional musicians and highly regarded music educators. To maintain the highest possible quality, students must audition annually in August to win a seat in an ensemble for the season. After selection and placement, members participate in weekly rehearsals and regularly-scheduled concerts in the world-class concert hall at the Music Center at Strathmore. MCYO also performs at other top national venues, such as the Kennedy Center, the White House and Carnegie Hall, and has participated in international tours and European festivals.  MCYO musicians perform for many community events.