The Kawartha Youth Orchestra

Under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Michael Newnham, the Senior Kawartha Youth Orchestra (SKYO) offers young musicians between the ages of 12 and 24 the opportunity to work under the guidance of professional instrumental coaches and to have the experience of playing in an orchestra with their peers.

The Junior Kawartha Youth Orchestra (JKYO) is available to children 8+, with no audition required. Young musicians will learn to play orchestral music in a supportive and nurturing environment, under the leadership of Conductor Marilyn Chalk. All students must be able to read music, and have some experience on their instrument.

Vision Statement

The KYO is a charitable, not-for-profit, community-focused organization that takes pride in helping young people develop and cultivate a love for music, and to share it with the community.

The KYO strives to make music accessible to all young musicians in the City of Peterborough and surrounding area, providing them with the opportunity to learn symphonic music and perform in an orchestral ensemble.

Watch our video, For the Music

“The classical repertoire and orchestra set up is very different to any experience that students may receive from their high school band programs, if they are lucky enough to even have one. It encourages young players throughout the region and of all instruments — strings, winds, and percussion — to unite in a common goal. Music is about human connectedness and through the orchestra students learn joy, motivation, teamwork and the aspiration for success. It is an experience that few communities offer and one of untold value for all participants!”

Marilyn ChalkJKYO conductor

“Once again, an enormous thank you and sincere congratulations for a wonderful concert on Sunday afternoon. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The musicians did a fabulous job – the mentors and directors have much to be proud of. What incredible gifts you all share with the area youth.”

MaggieParent

“Thanks again for all that you do for my daughter. She is loving the JKYO! It makes her feel special and competent.”

SusanJKYO parent

“What a terrific day! What a terrific amount of work you’ve done! Thank you thank you thank you for all you do!”

JodieJKYO parent

“It was so much fun to participate in the orchestra! I’m glad that I have been able to attend. The atmosphere is great and it’s a wonderful learning experience! Thank you so much!!”

AlysonJKYO musician

“I always look forward to playing with the JKYO! It’s an experience I’ve wanted for a while to be able to play alongside stringed instruments in an ensemble and I’m really glad I’ve been given this opportunity, so once again, thanks so much!”

JoshJKYO musician

“I joined the Orchestra a year ago, and it certainly has been one of the best experiences of my life. Joining the orchestra has been a major contribution to my development as a musician, and has assisted me in finding friends, who share the same interests. This amazing group of dedicated and talented people has undoubtedly changed my life and introduced me to new aspects of music I had not known previously.”

SarahKYO violinist

Matt has been accepted into the Bachelor of Music Program in Oboe Performance at the prestigious University of Toronto Faculty of Music.

“I initially joined the KYO with the intention of playing orchestral music, but I am leaving with so much more. The connections that I have made, as well as the lifelong friendships and first-hand experience, have not only prepared me for a career in music, but have taught me skills I will continue to use for the rest of my life, in or out of music. Without the guidance and expertise from the staff, I would have never gotten the confidence to pursue studies on the oboe, let alone the resources to allow me to do so. It is to the KYO I owe my current success as a musician, and the strength and determination I have now to pursue my passion to achieve further success. Thank you for making the KYO bursary possible! I won’t soon forget the generosity extended to me.”

MattGraduating KYO musician