Challenges and adversity are parts of everyday life, and our experiences shape us as individuals and as a community. How we bounce back and overcome day-to-day struggles changes us and defines who we are. ESYO’s Reflections of Resilience Project explores the stories of our community’s resilience and interconnecton through music.

Playing a musical instrument challenges young people’s minds and bodies and ignites their creativity. Playing a musical instrument creates new pathways of thinking and learning. But sounding together with other musicians who are as passionate about making music provides additional dimensions that further nurtures growth. Empire State Youth Orchestra invites

Members of ESYO CHIME’s Yates Elementary site went to Proctors GE Theatre on Friday, January 21, 2022, for a private concert and meet & greet with the award-winning American Patchwork Quartet. Presented by our partners at Proctors Passport Series and funded in part by the ArtsCONNECT program of Mid Atlantic

Now in its third season, ESYO is proud to welcome twenty-four new leaders and twenty-four dedicated mentors to the program. Our mentors come from all walks of life and represent a diverse array of occupations and associations. The roster includes professors, artists, musicians, teachers, engineers, and many former ESYO musicians. 2021-2022

Here are a few tips to help you master the art of listening: LISTEN AS CLOSELY AS YOU CAN You’ve most likely heard people describe orchestral music as a relaxing escape or a perfect soundtrack to daily life. Truth is, if you listen closely, you’ll hear more, notice more, and

In addition to auditioning for the YOLA Symphony Orchestra, Jay-Era, who began her pursuit towards musical excellence in ESYO CHIME and now performs with ESYO’s Repertory Orchestra and Youth Jazz Orchestra, was one of thirty young musicians from the Symphony Orchestra selected to participate in the YOLA National Institute, an

REWIND! The Official ESYO Blog All blogs ESYO Rewind! Symphony Orchestra Premieres Concerto for DJ/Electronics and Cello A Look Back at ESYO’s 2021-2022 Opening Weekend After nearly two years since their last performance for a live audience, ESYO Symphony Orchestra returned to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall to open

The “Ghost Light” survived the transition to electricity to keep stagehands from tripping onstage or falling into the orchestra pit. But, if you ask anyone who works backstage at a theatre or concert hall, you will hear a different and more chilling reason for the “Ghost Light.” Many who work

ESYO relies on a growing list of leading companies, neighborhood businesses, community organizations, and foundations to orchestrate the program and support musical youth in our community. During the pandemic, ESYO’s sponsors and underwriters were the catalysts that kept ESYO sounding together, no matter what. Together we created a safe-studio space