Delaware County Youth Orchestra (DCYO) (for Advanced Musicians)
The Delaware County Youth Orchestra is a highly selective ensemble of talented musicians most of whom are in high school. Now in its 47th season, the orchestra has 96 student members who range in age from 7th to 12th grade. This full symphony orchestra is dedicated to providing young people of exceptional ability with an opportunity to rehearse and perform major works from the standard symphonic repertoire. For high school students interested in performance opportunities of high caliber, we invite you to visit our Auditions page to schedule an audition appointment. Members come from throughout the tri-county area. Students from all geographic regions are welcome to audition.
For further information, please contact member.support@old.dcyo.org.
PROFILE OF DCYO MEMBERSHIP
During the 2017-2018 season, most of our 96 students came from Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County. Approximately 90% were high school students. Advanced middle school students made up about 10% of the orchestra’s membership. Approximately 85% of the students attended public schools, and 15% attended independent schools.
THREE CONCERTS A YEAR
The Delaware County Youth Orchestra presents three concerts a year in locations throughout the Delaware Valley. DCYO welcomes the opportunity to perform in communities where efforts are being made by school, college, or civic organizations to stimulate interest in serious music among young people. The Delaware County Youth Orchestra is incorporated under the Non-Profit Law of Pennsylvania. Financial support comes from individuals, corporations, and foundations. All contributions are tax deductible.
DCYO DISTINGUISHED VISITING ARTISTS PROGRAM
At the suggestion of former Music Director Brad Smith, the DCYO Board of Directors agreed to establish an annual guest program, where noted performers, composers, music educators, or conductors participate in rehearsals and concerts. Our list of prestigious visiting artists follows:
2008-2009 – Award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon (performance of blue cathedral)
2009-2010 – Daedalus Quartet violinist Min-Young Kim; Philadelphia Orchestra violinist Richard Amoroso; and audio engineer George Blood (informal talk)
2010-2011- Philadelphia Orchestra principal timpanist Don Liuzzi (rehearsal performance and conducting session)
2011-2012 – Philadelphia Orchestra violinist Richard Amoroso (solo performance in celebration of the 40th anniversary of DCYO)
2012-2013 – Philadelphia Orchestra tubist Carol Jantsch, and concertmaster David Kim (solo performances)
2013-2014 – Philadelphia Orchestra Associate Conductor Cristian Macelaru (guest conductor)
2014-2015 – Philadelphia Orchestra cellist Udi Bar-David and hand drum player Hafez Javier Kotain (solo performance)
2015-2016 – Composer Thomas Whitman and Philadelphia Orchestra Assistant Conductor Lio Kuokman (guest composer/guest conductor)
2016-2017 – The Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster David Kim (solo performance)
2017-2018 – Baritone Randall Scarlata (solo performance)
2018-2019 – Pianist Marcantonio Barone (solo performance)
2019-2020 Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Horn Jennifer Montone (solo performance)