VCYO CYORC - Calgary Youth Orchestra
Course description
The Calgary Youth Orchestra (CYO) is the flagship orchestra in Mount Royal Conservatory's Orchestral Program.
Internationally recognized as one of Canada's leading youth orchestras, the CYO provides solid training in orchestral playing. CYO alumni can be found in such world-renowned ensembles as the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as all major Canadian orchestras. Along with Classical masterworks, the CYO’s repertoire often includes Light Classics, Jazz, Klezmer, Film music and other types of popular music.
Notes
Calgary Youth Orchestra Society
The CYO is supported by the Calgary Youth Orchestra Society, an independent not-for-profit society that works to provide enhances performance opportunities for the Orchestra. All CYO student members and their parents or guardians automatically become members of the Society.
About CYO Fees
The Mount Royal Conservatory registration fee contributes to the Conservatory's cost for the conductor, office space, rehearsal space and setup, music library, theatre services, secretarial support services, and many aspects of administration. The Calgary Youth Orchestra fee helps to pay for the part-time Orchestra Manager, guest musicians, clinicians, music rental, music purchases, concert hall rentals, advertising and promotion, and so on. In cases of financial hardship, students are encouraged to apply for Conservatory Special Scholarships (hyper link to form), which may cover all or part of the Conservatory fee. Additionally, please check with the Conservatory for payment options. Members of the CYO for whom payment of the CYO fee is a financial burden should apply in writing, to the CYO Society President, c/o Po Yeh, Orchestra Manager, for consideration of a reduction or waiver of fees. All applications will be kept in the strictest confidence. For more information, please email cyo@mtroyal.ca
Applies towards:
- Academy Program for Young Artists - Senior, Guitar Certificate of Completion : Optional Ensembles and Courses
- Academy Program for Young Artists - Senior, Piano Certificate of Completion : Optional Ensembles and Courses
- Academy Program for Young Artists - Senior, Strings Certificate of Completion : Large Ensembles and Optional courses
- Academy Program for Young Artists - Senior, Winds Certificate of Completion : Large Ensembles and Optional courses
- Advanced Performance Program, Brass Extension Certificate : Large Ensembles and Optional courses
- Advanced Performance Program, Guitar Extension Certificate : Optional Ensembles and Courses
- Advanced Performance Program, Piano Extension Certificate : Large Ensembles and Optional courses
- Advanced Performance Program, Strings Extension Certificate : Large Ensembles and Optional courses
- Advanced Performance Program, Woodwinds Extension Certificate : Large Ensembles and Optional courses
Auditions Information
Auditions for the 2025-26 season are accepting auditions for Harp. All other instrumental auditions are closed.
Harp students are invited to apply to audition. Auditions will occur on July 29, 2025 starting at 2 pm. Acceptance into the orchestra is by competitive audition early June each year and is open to students aged 14 to 24. Applicants must fill out the CYO Audition Form and sign-up for an audition date and time using the links below. Please make sure to read all the information carefully and be sure you are aware of the audition requirements.
All students, new and returning, are required to audition for CYO. Please fill out the Audition Information Form linked above before selecting an audition time. If you have any questions or concerns regarding auditions, please contact Audition Assistant Shellbie Chayeski at schay598@mtroyal.ca or conservatory@mtroyal.ca for assistance.