Each year, more than 600 young musicians grow through ESYO’s 14 ensembles and CHIME. A first loaner violin. A flute repaired in time for the concert. A bus ride that makes participation possible.
Tuition and ticket sales cover only part of the cost. The rest comes from families, alumni, friends, businesses, and grants. Your gift turns readiness into opportunity.
Unless otherwise requested, gifts support ESYO’s mission where needed most across the areas below.
We put youth at the center and champion the pursuit of mastery—steady growth through practice, coaching, and opportunity. Music builds creativity, adaptability, and the social-emotional skills that carry into every part of life.
Remove barriers so cost, transportation, and repairs never decide who gets to make music—through scholarships, lesson aid, instrument loans/repairs, and multilingual family outreach (including CHIME’s tuition-free pathway).
Mastery is a journey, not a finish line.
Focused teaching-artist coaching, masterclasses with guest artists, and meaningful repertoire—from time-honored works to living-composer projects—help students stretch, reflect, and grow with pride.
Rehearsals and concerts are scaffolds for confidence, focus, resilience, and belonging.
We also invest in team-building and friendship through select ensemble retreats and community days (e.g., Field Days)—so young people feel supported to stretch and succeed together.
Students don’t just play; they lead. Across ESYO, musicians step up as section leaders, peer mentors, chamber/jazz project leads, concert hosts, and ambassadors.
The Young Leader Program adds short workshops and shadowing in inclusive rehearsal leadership, running a sectional, public speaking and emcee skills, welcoming audiences, time management, and event support—so students gain practical skills while shaping their own musical journeys.
From Playathon in the mall to schools, parks, hospitals, and major halls, performances knit together families, partners, and neighborhoods.
Collaboration with schools and regional arts organizations multiplies the impact.
We’re creating a permanent home in Schenectady: flexible rehearsal rooms, teaching studios, instrument storage, and welcoming community space. Groundbreaking: late October 2025; target completion: late 2026
