What exactly is CKYO? The Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra (CKYO) is an organization that provides musical opportunities for students of all experience levels. Each year, hundreds of students throughout Central Kentucky audition, but only about 400 students are accepted. These members include Elementary, Middle, and High School students who are apart of one of the four distinguished orchestras, two jazz ensembles, or the percussion ensemble. A typical season runs from August through May and includes around five concerts.

Ben Humphries – Junior at WCHS

What instrument do you play?

I play French Horn.

What group are you apart of in CKYO?

I am in Symphony Orchestra, the top ensemble.

What made you choose CKYO?

I choose CKYO because it was a great opportunity for me to grow. I’m glad I did because it has opened up many other opportunities for me.

How do you manage your time?

I manage my time by using all the bits of time that I can. I do homework on car rides and during downtime in class. I also plan out when I work on bigger things, like projects or papers. When I get home, I practice and then spend as much time as needed on homework.

Where do you hope to go from here?

I hope to become a professional musician in a major orchestra.

Avery Schanbacher – Sophmore at WCHS

What instrument do you play?

I play the clarinet.

What group are you apart of in CKYO?

I’m in the Concert Orchestra.

What made you choose CKYO?

I joined CKYO because I wanted to play more, and I wanted to see what playing was like outside of school.

How do you manage your time?

CKYO only meets once a week so being there isn’t too much of a problem. The only thing is practicing, which I usually just do in the evening with my homework or I’ll sign up for a hive. Nowadays I do a lot of it in independent musicianship.

Where do you hope to go from here?

I’m not quite sure what I want to do but I’ve been thinking about music education. I’d love to impact others in a way they’ve impacted me if I can.

Rebekah McNeely – Freshman at WCHS

What instrument do you play?

I play viola.

What groups are you apart of in CKYO?

I am currently in repertory orchestra and am trying out for concert next year.

What made you choose CKYO?

I loved playing and I wanted to join an orchestra and I liked it so I stayed with it.

How do you manage your time?

I keep track of everything I need to get done, and I make sure I do it.

Where do you hope to go from here?

I would like to play music in college.

CKYO is a big stepping stone for any musician to take. It takes your musical talents a step above and pushes you to do your best. Each person I interviewed was happy they had become part of CKYO. With almost 400 members this season, we will definitely continue to see many more talented musicians from this organization.