Business thrives in communities that support a vibrant arts culture. ESYO provides high level performing opportunities for our region’s residents and serves as an enticement to people seeking to relocate. ESYO also employs dozens of professional artists as conductors, coaches, judges and teaching artists, enriching the lives of hundreds of young musicians from across the Capital District.

Research now shows us that the study of music develops neural connections that help foster creative thinking and cognitive skills that are instrumental for problem-solving. ESYO graduates demonstrate this with successful careers in a wide variety of fields–many becoming inspirational leaders paving the way to a brighter future for all.

Now in our 40th season, ESYO is highly regarded as one of the cultural gems in the Capital Region, annually providing over 30 public performances of live music from a variety of genres – classical, jazz, band, and contemporary percussion. We support the local music community through collaborations with schools and groups such as Albany Symphony Orchestra and Albany Pro Musica.  We invest in our communities by providing music education programs that use music as a tool for positive social change.

Many of ESYO graduates attend prestigious music schools such as The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music, New England Conservatory, Oberlin Conservatory, and Manhattan School of Music. Others pursue non-music paths at colleges and universities such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT – yet they still make time for music. Our graduates can be found teaching in local schools, performing in small groups and community orchestras, running recording studios, composing music, and even performing in world-class orchestras.