About KYO

Discover the heart of Kawartha Youth Orchestra, where passion for music meets a community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

23 Seasons of Excellence

Kawartha Youth Orchestra is a vibrant community organization offering music and orchestra training to youth from elementary to post-secondary levels. Drawing students from various communities across the Kawartha Region of Central Ontario, we provide opportunities for young musicians seeking to go beyond their school music programs. Our conductors and faculty are seasoned musicians with deep expertise in both performance and music education. As a registered non-profit, KYO proudly collaborates with local school music programs, private instructors, and other community organizations to support and develop our student musicians.

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Concerts Performed

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Musicians Supported

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Community Members Impacted

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Worth of Subsidies Provided Annually

We Are:

Students

Youth united by their passion for music, forging bonds, sharing laughter, and forming lasting friendships that endure through the years.

Parents

Who witness their children flourish and succeed, building connections with other parents through KYO’s volunteer efforts and fundraising endeavours and developing a community of supports.

Music Instructors

Professional musicians and music instructors who recognize that the joy of making music is a timeless treasure and passionately work to pass this on to a younger generation.

Board Members

Dedicated individuals generously contributing their time and expertise, ensuring the KYO is guided by sound policies and maintains excellent day-to-day operations.

Donors & Sponsors

Individuals and businesses whose support advances KYO’s mission of enhancing music education in the Kawarthas and sustaining our programs’ excellence. Their contributions are vital to our success!

Milestones

2002
2002 - 2007
  • KYO becomes the parent organization of two music education program streams: The Orchestras, a three-tiered orchestra-training program and UPBEAT! Downtown, a social-impact after-school music education program for local youth facing socio-economic and cultural barriers.

  • KYO goes virtual with an e-orchestras training program that matches the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic with adaptive program delivery. In June, all ensembles under The Orchestras banner host KYO’s first virtual broadcast recorded concert for an international audience. By November, livestreaming is added to KYO’s performance and outreach events.

  • JKYO Conductor Marilyn Chalk is named Acting Conductor of The Orchestras, assuming responsibilities of founding Music Director/Senior Orchestra Conductor, Michael Newnham, who served 17 years in the position.

  • New faculty appointments include: KYO String Coach – Andrea J. Stewart (cello); KYO Woodwind Coach – Katie Steadman (clarinet; KYO Brass and JKYO Wind Coach – Olivia Esther (French horn); Farm Team Woodwind Coach – Madelaine Crawford (clarinet).

  • Guest faculty, Jazz Bassist Wesley Colett-Taylor, conducts workshop on Jazz improvisation for senior and junior orchestra musicians.

  • Farm Team expands to include Year 1 and Year 2 programming for all orchestral instrument groups.

  • KYO welcomes Dr. Alexander Cannon as Artistic Director to guide growth and development of The Orchestras and UPBEAT! Downtown programs. Dr. Cannon assumes the conductor role of the Senior KYO.

  • Jeff Clements, a diverse woodwind performer and educator and composer, is appointed as the Intermediate KYO conductor.

  • UPBEAT! Downtown, a new social-impact after-school music education program for children 8-9 years old, commences in September.
2009
2009 - 2016
  • KYO is awarded an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant to facilitate orchestra promotion. Tori Owen is hired as Administrative Coordinator to manage the promotions project.

  • KYO celebrated its 10th anniversary.

  • Facing declining numbers in the senior orchestra, the KYO Board of Directors initiates a review of strategies for improving musician recruitment. Ann Millen, a passionate music educator and orchestral musician, is contracted to prepare a recruitment plan

  • KYO moves its rehearsal home to The Mount Community Centre, Peterborough, Ontario.

  • Ann Millen is hired as Recruitment, Education, and Outreach Coordinator to implement the new musician recruitment plan. Musician numbers increase immediately.

  • Our 2nd ensemble, Junior KYO (JKYO), is created and Marilyn Chalk is hired as its enthusiastic and inspiring Conductor. The JKYO has 11 musicians this year.
2020
2020 - 2024
  • KYO becomes the parent organization of two music education program streams: The Orchestras, a three-tiered orchestra-training program and UPBEAT! Downtown, a social-impact after-school music education program for local youth facing socio-economic and cultural barriers.

  • KYO goes virtual with an e-orchestras training program that matches the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic with adaptive program delivery. In June, all ensembles under The Orchestras banner host KYO’s first virtual broadcast recorded concert for an international audience. By November, livestreaming is added to KYO’s performance and outreach events.

  • JKYO Conductor Marilyn Chalk is named Acting Conductor of The Orchestras, assuming responsibilities of founding Music Director/Senior Orchestra Conductor, Michael Newnham, who served 17 years in the position.

  • New faculty appointments include: KYO String Coach – Andrea J. Stewart (cello); KYO Woodwind Coach – Katie Steadman (clarinet; KYO Brass and JKYO Wind Coach – Olivia Esther (French horn); Farm Team Woodwind Coach – Madelaine Crawford (clarinet).

  • Guest faculty, Jazz Bassist Wesley Colett-Taylor, conducts workshop on Jazz improvisation for senior and junior orchestra musicians.

  • Farm Team expands to include Year 1 and Year 2 programming for all orchestral instrument groups.

  • KYO welcomes Dr. Alexander Cannon as Artistic Director to guide growth and development of The Orchestras and UPBEAT! Downtown programs. Dr. Cannon assumes the conductor role of the Senior KYO.

  • Jeff Clements, a diverse woodwind performer and educator and composer, is appointed as the Intermediate KYO conductor.

  • UPBEAT! Downtown, a new social-impact after-school music education program for children 8-9 years old, commences in September.

  • UPBEAT! Downtown, a new social-impact after-school music education program for children 8-9 years old, commences in September.

2022-2023

Saskia Tomkins, extremely experienced strings performer and conductor, is appointed as the Junior KYO conductor.

  • New faculty appointments include: KYO Flute Instructor Sally Wolf (Flute), KYO Percussion Instructor Martin Gladman, Upbeat Instructor Andrew Randall (Cello), Upbeat Instructor Anna Eidt (Choral).

  • KYO welcomes Maziar Heidari as Lead Conductor to grow and develop The Orchestras and UPBEAT! Downtown programs. Maziar Heidari assumes the conductor role of the Senior KYO.

  • Martin Gladman, is appointed to conduct the Jazz Ensemble.

  • Mark Vining, a strong woodwind and brass performer and teacher, is appointed as the Intermediate KYO conductor.

  • New faculty appointments include: KYO Trumpet Instructor Age Smies, KYO Clarinet Instructor Bryce Porter.

Support Kawartha Youth Orchestra

Support KYO’s mission through various means. Donate funds, volunteer your time, or gift instruments. Every contribution helps us nurture young musical talent and enrich our community.

Musicians Supported
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Community Members Impacted
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Worth of Subsidies Provided Annually
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