About
San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra offers orchestra ensembles for young musicians, including both small and large ensembles. The program includes ensemble rehearsals, sectional coaching, professional coaching, master classes, workshops, intensive orchestral retreats, tours, competitions, and a final performance as part of a performance preparation program.
• Ages: 5–22 years old
• Schedule: Rehearsal time on Saturdays from 9 AM to noon; week-long CYO Summer Workshop 2026 with a final performance on July 17 at 11 AM; 3-day CYO Annual Retreat
Since 1956 the Civic Youth Orchestra has enriched the lives of aspiring musicians through a stair-step program designed to inspire and cultivate excellence through music and an appreciation for the arts. The program is led by conductor and music director Robert Gilson, with conductors Shannon Yandall and Paul Wang. The Civic Youth Orchestra makes the experience of performing ensemble music available to young people of any race, religion or ethnic origin, without regard to economic circumstances, in an environment that is positive and nurturing. The CYO Summer Workshop is open to everyone, including students new to CYO and ensemble playing, and the CYO Annual Retreat is mandatory for all Symphony and Symphonic members. Students in this program have gone on to pursue careers as solo performers, symphony orchestra members, composers, music educators and members of the music entertainment industry. The Civic Youth Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and generous parent and community support helps continue their goal of providing the best music education and performance opportunities for their student musicians.
Last updated July 8, 2026.
• Ages: 5–22 years old
• Schedule: Rehearsal time on Saturdays from 9 AM to noon; week-long CYO Summer Workshop 2026 with a final performance on July 17 at 11 AM; 3-day CYO Annual Retreat
Since 1956 the Civic Youth Orchestra has enriched the lives of aspiring musicians through a stair-step program designed to inspire and cultivate excellence through music and an appreciation for the arts. The program is led by conductor and music director Robert Gilson, with conductors Shannon Yandall and Paul Wang. The Civic Youth Orchestra makes the experience of performing ensemble music available to young people of any race, religion or ethnic origin, without regard to economic circumstances, in an environment that is positive and nurturing. The CYO Summer Workshop is open to everyone, including students new to CYO and ensemble playing, and the CYO Annual Retreat is mandatory for all Symphony and Symphonic members. Students in this program have gone on to pursue careers as solo performers, symphony orchestra members, composers, music educators and members of the music entertainment industry. The Civic Youth Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and generous parent and community support helps continue their goal of providing the best music education and performance opportunities for their student musicians.
Last updated July 8, 2026.
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