The Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestras consists of two full orchestras (Philharmonic Orchestra and Concert Orchestra) made up of 200 of the region’s most talented young musicians. CSYO accepts students in grades 8 -12 who successfully pass a competitive audition and are members of their school’s band or orchestra program. At the center of the CSYO’s mission is reinforcing excellence in students, challenging them to expand their own boundaries, and promoting mastery of 21st century skills through the highest level of performance and collaboration. Ensembles rehearse weekly, perform throughout the year, and receive access to musicians of the CSO as coaches and mentors.

The CSYO Concert Orchestra was formerly known as the Blue Ash Youth Symphony orchestra (BAYSO), formed in 1991 and merged with CSYO in August 2011.