The Cabarrus County Youth Orchestra (CCYO) aims to provide local students with a unique opportunity to learn to play stringed instruments.
Concord (Downtown)
📍 First Presbyterian Church, 70 Union Street N.
Registration is now open for the CCYO which will provide weekly classes primarily focused on violin, viola, cello, and double bass by director Eric J. Landsperger, a dedicated musician and educator in Cabarrus County. The CCYO’s mission is to foster a love for music and to encourage talent development.
The early response to CCYO has been promising, with an eagerness among students and parents alike to explore the world of stringed instruments. Landsperger is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and brings over forty years of musical experience and a passion for nurturing young talents to the program. His background as Orchestra Director at Central Cabarrus High School exemplifies his commitment to music education.
Traditional orchestra programs have not been in our Cabarrus County school system with the exception of the ones at Royal Oaks Elementary School and Central Cabarrus High School. Both of those programs were started by David Miller about 12 years ago when the county was considering setting up a music magnet school.
- Liz Fitzgerald, Cabarrus Arts Council Executive Director, said, “Cabarrus County youth have so much talent, as evidenced by the incredible performances we’ve seen during Youth Art Month as well as the programming happening at individual schools. The addition of this orchestra will give students the opportunity to take their talents to new levels, surrounded by peers and adults who share a dedication to creating great music. We look forward to showcasing their performances in the Davis Theatre which is known for featuring some of our finest musicians.”
About the Classes
The CCYO will offer classes for students of various age groups. Starting from Kindergarten to 3rd grade, elementary classes will focus on laying the fundamentals of music. For students in grades 4-12, beginner classes are available, covering violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
- Students are required to have their own instruments, which can be rented at an affordable cost of around $35 per month. The two-semester program, consisting of approximately 16-17 weeks with classes twice per week, is priced at $100 per semester.
Locations and Performances
CCYO has partnered with First Presbyterian Church in downtown Concord, where classes and practices will take place. The organization has planned performances at the prestigious Davis Theatre in downtown Concord, where students will have the opportunity to showcase their talent. Upcoming performances are scheduled for October 3 and December 5.
📅 An Open House is planned for August 15th at First Presbyterian Church so parents and students can become familiar with the space and meet their instructors and board members.
✋ Volunteers are needed to make the program a success. Email the director for more details.
Financial Support and Future Prospects
To ensure the sustained success of CCYO, the organization seeks financial support from dedicated patrons through its Legacy Ensemble program. The program invites individuals and businesses to become annual donors at various levels, contributing to the growth and development of the youth orchestra.
A Bright Future Ahead
With a desire to see every student in the county have the opportunity to learn a stringed instrument, the CCYO’s big vision includes eventually forming a full-fledged Cabarrus County Youth Symphony Orchestra. But Landsperger said his primary focus is on strings because that education is not being offered currently outside of private lessons.
The establishment of the Cabarrus County Youth Symphony Orchestra signifies a significant step forward in the county’s commitment to fostering artistic talents among its youth. With a focus on string instruments and a passionate director at the helm, CCYO is poised to make a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Cabarrus County. As the inaugural season commences in Fall 2023, the CCYO is poised to provide a transformative musical journey for aspiring musicians.
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