NOYO Mission Statement

The Northern Ohio Youth Orchestras exist to provide a progressive orchestra program with challenging educational musical opportunities in orchestral and small ensemble training and performance for young instrumentalists under the guidance of professional musicians, using the resources of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. (Revised, 2004)

Background

NOYO was founded in 1969 as the Lorain County Youth Orchestra and has been in continuous operation since. It is an independent organization supported by tuition, ticket sales, individual gifts, fundraising activities, and grants from various foundations, agencies, and corporations.

NOYO has a staff of two conductors, two assistant conductors, and a General Manager; a volunteer Board of Trustees oversees operations. Board meetings are held regularly throughout the season. Meeting times and locations are announced in advance and are open to parents and orchestra members.

NOYO consists of four orchestras. The Camerata (formerly known as the “Reading Orchestra”) is a first ensemble experience for young string players in grades two through five. Unlike the other NOYO orchestras, Camerata requires no audition, but does require that the student has been enrolled in string instruction prior to joining. The Symphonetta is a training orchestra for musicians in the fourth through ninth grades. The Philharmonia is for advanced players in the sixth through twelfth grades. NOYO also sponsors other music programs including:

• Chamber Music Program open to all NOYO members and others
• Summer Chamber Music Camp

Please contact the office for information on these programs.