The Charles County Youth Orchestra (CCYO) invites the community to spend this Saturday enjoying two distinct concerts, showcasing the musical talents of its young performers. The first concert will take place at 12 noon during ArtsFest at the Village Green in Indian Head. Attendees will experience performances by students from all four of CCYO’s ensembles: Prelude Strings, Encore Band, Encore Strings, and the CCYO orchestra. The repertoire includes fiddle tunes, the 1812 Overture, Ode to Joy, and pieces by Pachelbel and Handel, along with music from “The Avengers.”
Following the ArtsFest performance, the musical excitement continues with CCYO’s 5th annual Concerto Competition Concert, scheduled for 3:00 PM at Christ Church, La Plata. Seven of CCYO’s talented students will compete for the opportunity to perform solo with the orchestra and win cash prizes. The competition will feature works by Vivaldi, Haydn, Telemann, and other renowned composers.
Looking ahead, CCYO has several upcoming concerts. On June 29 at 8 PM, the orchestra will perform at the Alice Ferguson Foundation in Accokeek. Additionally, the CCYO Chamber Music Festival will feature concerts on July 20 and 27 at 8 PM at Christ Church, La Plata.
Auditions for the next season of the Charles County Youth Orchestra will be held on September 14 from 9 AM to 3 PM at Christ Church, La Plata. All levels and instruments, except piano, are encouraged to audition.
CCYO has recently gained notable recognition. The orchestra was featured in an online film by the Charles County Arts Alliance and was highlighted on WTOP radio. Moreover, two CCYO String Quartets were finalists in the prestigious Washington Performing Arts Society Misbin Chamber Music Competition in Washington, D.C.
The Charles County Youth Orchestra presents two major concerts and several smaller concerts each year, including a two-week Chamber Music Festival with additional chamber music concerts, a Concerto Competition Concert, masterclasses, and sectionals for students in all four ensembles. Over the past year, CCYO has performed at various venues including the Port Tobacco Courthouse, the Maryland Veterans Museum, Kris Kringle at the Fairgrounds, the Village Green in Indian Head, Christ Church, La Plata, and the Alice Ferguson Foundation.
As one of the largest youth music organizations in Southern Maryland, CCYO provides music education and performance opportunities for talented young musicians aged 8 to 18 from Charles, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, and Calvert counties.
The Charles County Youth Orchestra receives support from various sponsors, including the Charles County Arts Alliance, the Charles County Charitable Trust, the Maryland State Arts Council, the Rotary Club of Charles County, Christ Church Wayside, and the Knights of Columbus of Accokeek, MD. Major contributors also include Potters Violins, Gailes Violin Shop, and the Neighborhood Creative Arts Center of La Plata, alongside generous donations from individuals.
