About

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything; It is the essence of order and lends to all that is good, just, and beautiful.” ~Plato

CYO offers the Coastal String Ensemble group for musicians with intermediate experience, from elementary up through high school, and a Fiddleheads group for junior musicians.

The Fiddleheads meet Tuesdays 4:00-4:55 PM in the Maine Coast Waldorf School music room, and the Coastal String Ensemble meets in the same room Tuesdays 5:00-6:15PM. Follow the links for more details.

CYO  hopes to be back at Bowdoin College rehearsing again at Studzinski Recital hall and collaborating with Beckwith Artist-In-Residence George Lopez as a guest instructor. When we are able to be on campus, Professor Lopez and a group of his students bring their enthusiasm and expertise to work alongside conductor Nancy Roderick with the young musicians.

The Coastal Youth Orchestra (CYO) was founded in 2001 to provide the best orchestral experience possible for young musicians living in Midcoast Maine. By promoting a supportive educational environment and a challenging yet nurturing atmosphere, our conductors provide an ideal place for young musicians to learn and grow. The music chosen for each ensemble, and the environment in which it is taught, contribute to the positive social and musical experiences of our members. Each of our ensemble’s musicians is an important contributor to our musical community.

Rehearsals focus on what makes music a creative entity: tone, color, melody, harmony, form, rhythm, phrasing, dynamics, and texture. Understanding these individual elements and their interrelationships gives students a solid perception of music and in turn helps them experience music aesthetically.