About CYS
Carolina youth Symphony
About CYS
CYS prides itself on creating a community for young musicians, their families and the people that support their passion for music.
Carolina Youth Symphony strives to:
- Encourage pride and self-esteem in young people from all cultural backgrounds through their individual musical achievement.
- Create an atmosphere of discipline and appreciation of fine music our members will carry with them all their lives.
- Promote and enhance the cultural life of Upstate South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina through orchestral performances, community outreach programs, open rehearsals and recitals, and open music competitions.
Our Mission
Nurturing Excellence in Music
Our mission is to encourage artistic excellence in a nurturing environment by providing the highest quality orchestral training and performance opportunities to qualified musicians, grades K-12, and make participation possible through many financial aid and work study programs.
Our History
The Journey of Carolina Youth Symphony
1955
Carolina Youth Symphony (CYS) began as “The Little Symphony,” founded by Greenville music enthusiast Miss Rita May Baker. Supported by the Crescent Music Club and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, this group of young musicians steadily grew in size and performances.
1976
The Crescent Youth Symphony became the Carolina Youth Symphony, transitioning into an independent, non-profit regional youth orchestra. Under the leadership of Dr. Robert Chesebro, Daniel Professor of Music at Furman University and Principal Clarinetist for the Greenville Symphony, CYS flourished. Dr. Chesebro led CYS for 25 years.
2001
Dr. Leslie Hicken, also a Daniel Professor of Music at Furman University, succeeded Dr. Chesebro as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra.
2020–2021
During the COVID-19 pandemic, CYS adapted innovatively by moving rehearsals to unconventional venues such as an airnasium and a church gymnasium, with musicians practicing masked and socially distanced. All performances (November 8, 2020, April 18, 2021, and June 6, 2021) that year were held outdoors. CYS proudly stood out as one of the few youth orchestras in the nation to continue rehearsing and performing as a full ensemble during this challenging time.
2023
April 23, 2023 - CYS made history with its 8th performance at the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City.
June 2023 - Dr. Leslie Hicken stepped down after 24 years of leading CYS. Under his leadership, the orchestra achieved remarkable milestones, including the prestigious Carnegie Hall performances.
July 2023 - Professor Simón Gollo, Furman Professor of Violin, joined as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra.
Present
Over its 70-year history, CYS has evolved into a vibrant organization with four orchestra levels, drawing talented musicians from over 73 schools, 32 cities, and two states. The organization is supported by a dedicated conducting and administrative team of 11, including five Furman University student interns, along with 210 member musicians, and a 14-member Board of Directors. CYS continues to inspire young musicians and audiences alike, solidifying its reputation as one of the premier youth orchestras in the region.