The Kawartha Youth Orchestra (KYO)

The Kawartha Youth Orchestra (KYO) provides low or no-barrier entry to music education and social programs dedicated to helping youth develop musical, technical, and social skills. The orchestra has, over its 22 year history, continuously worked to reduce the barriers youth face in accessing music education, and has strived to expand its programming and offerings to improve the selection of skills offered, and provide opportunities for more diverse age ranges and level of musical familiarity. The KYO currently runs two program streams: The Orchestras, and UpBeat! and supports youth ranging in ages from 6 to 28, with current registrants ranging from 6 to 19. The range of music education services run by the KYO is created with the intention of empowering youth by providing them with tangible skills, community and emotional developmental support, while doing so at low/no cost.

The Orchestras

The KYO Orchestras transform the lives of young people through tiered individual ensemble music programs building community and supporting youth in the pursuit of musicality and excellence. 

Upbeat!

Upbeat! is a fully subsidized after school music and social program that empowers every youth to reach their potential not only as a musician, but as an engaged citizen and future leader of our community.  Upbeat! inspires children through a fun ensemble-based program led by dedicated professional music educators.  Children work together to learn and perform music while developing a sense of self-worth and critical skills like problem solving, empathy and self-control. Our nutrition program addresses food insecurity directly by providing children with a healthy nutritious meal.