Central MN Orchestra GIVE TO THE MAX

Videos Above: Snippets of Fall 2024 Peformance, Mark & Maggie Strings Festival (both presented by CMYO as free events)

Inspiration to Passion

The idea of the Central Minnesota Youth Orchestra was conceptualized by Michael Zellgert in the spring of 2013. During this time, he interviewed instructors, universities, and school teachers about the concept and was given the blessing to move forward.

Shortly after, he contacted individuals from the community, a group of musicians and music enthusiasts, who officially agreed to help establish the program in writing on July 19, 2013. The newly formed board of directors endeavored to offer communities a program that would be the cornerstone for youth orchestra programs in the region.

The Central Minnesota Youth Orchestra inspires and prepares its students to become passionate leaders in their community or school programs by being a good example through music preparation, listening to instructions, and enhancing their musical knowledge and instrumental skills.

In the Beginning

Several students in the region do not have a school orchestra program or a program that offers orchestra levels based on experience and ability. CMYO has filled this need by offering three ensembles that place skills in a range that allows students to achieve a balanced proficiency along with other students of a similar skill level.

CMYO has been collaborating with private instructors, directors, professors, and local educational institutions by offering ways to utilize local professionals using mentors within the CMYO programs. In addition, CMYO planned to develop a grant-approved program that would bring professionals to assist directors with sectionals within the school orchestra programs.

The first home for rehearsals resides at the College of St. Benedict/St. John University.

Weekly Experiences

A typical day for the Encore ensemble is 10 am to 11 am, Discovery Class with Intermezzo at 11am to 11:45am, 15 min Break, and a rehearsal from 12pm to 1:30/2 pm.

CMYO now provides a greater need beyond developing and performing in an ensemble. The program aspires to offer students a well-rounded educational experience in both an orchestral and a class setting. Since 2017, the program has provided large regional experiences for several middle and high schools worth over $60,000, donated purchased music to public schools valued over $1000, and offered masterclass and mentoring when requested by schools.

With the new challenges a foot, our approach will require its administration to expand. Up until recently, CMYO did not have a paid coordinator has been operated only on volunteer time.  CMYO is very excited to have a new coordinator position to help move the day-to-day needs of the program.

Currently, CMYO has a board of directors, one board advisor, a newly created Outreach Coordinator, an Outreach Coordinator, a student-run committee, and a parent committee.

Other Experiences

CMYO has presented three large experiences free to schools around the region including the Mark Wood EYS, SYBARITE5 school clinician/share-a-stand experience, and the Mark O'Connor Festival.  Additionally, CMYO students attend field trips to the MN Orchestra, Chamber Music Society of St Cloud, and St Paul Chamber.

The Mission

"To provide a unique orchestral experience leading to performances that shape, educate, and inspire lives of the developing musicians in the communities of Central Minnesota."