Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras

The mission of Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras is to nurture, develop and advance young talented musicians in a quality orchestral program.

Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (MCYO) of Strathmore strives to create a seamless connection between the artistic and the educational experience. MCYO is highly regarded regionally and nationally as one of the country’s most outstanding youth orchestra programs. Founded in 1946 as the Montgomery County Youth Orchestra, MCYO is the oldest and most established youth orchestra program in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. 

Under the direction of MCYO Artistic Director Kristofer Sanz and MCYO Artistic Advisor Jonathan Carney, MCYO proudly ushers in its 78th season of providing a quality orchestra program for the area’s young talented musicians.

MCYO offers three full orchestras, a chamber ensemble, four string orchestras, small ensembles and chamber groups to over 550 talented musicians in grades 2-12. Auditions for MCYO are held annually in late August.

MCYO is grateful for support from the following:

Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
Edward Grossman and Rochelle Stanfield
The Silver Spring Chapter of The Links, Inc.
Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation