Family Concert & Instrument Discovery Day
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S Main St, Davidson, NC, 28036, United States
Instrument Discovery Days let students and families try out all of the instruments that comprise the orchestra. Students and attendees will be guided through their experience with each instrument by experienced musicians and instructors. The decision to learn an instrument can be a big one, IDD gives kids the opportunity to find what sparks their interest and connect with NCYO artistic faculty and student and parent volunteers.
The North Carolina Youth Orchestra will kick off the event with a Free Family Concert, allowing aspiring musicians to hear the instrument play within an orchestra setting!
Get your FREE tickets!

Educational Classes Showcase!
2026-04-26 15:00 - 16:30 | Cain Center for the Arts, 21348 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC, 28031, United States
Join us for the first-ever showcase of the NCYO’s newest musicians from our educational classes! The concert will feature our Brass, Woodwind, Percussion Challenge, and Prelude Strings students. This is an opportunity to see the next generation of young musicians take the stage for the first time!
About the Brass Challenge class: The Brass Challenge provides an incredible and unique opportunity for upper elementary and middle school brass players to receive instruction from some of the area’s finest brass musicians. This beginner-focused semester program features classes for trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, and euphonium and boasts a faculty comprised of exclusively Juilliard alumni. Students are given robust instruction on fundamentals and valuable instrument-specific technical insights.
About the Woodwind Challenge class: The Woodwind Challenge provides an incredible and unique opportunity for beginner woodwind players to receive instruction from some of the area’s finest wind musicians. This beginner-focused program features classes for flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, and bassoon. Students are given robust instruction on fundamentals and valuable instrument-specific technical insights.
About the Percussion Challenge class: The Percussion Challenge provides an incredible and unique opportunity for aspiring young percussionists to receive instruction from one of the Charlotte region’s finest percussionists and educators, Jordan McCray. This beginner-focused program features instruction on the full range of percussion instruments. Students are given robust instruction on fundamentals and valuable instrument-specific technical insights.
About the Prelude Strings class: NCYO’s beginning strings class is the perfect fit for students just starting their music education journey. The goal of the Prelude Strings is to introduce and develop the skills needed for orchestral playing in a fun and enjoyable environment.

Supporting Young Musicians: By attending this concert, you not only treat yourself to an extraordinary musical experience but also support the dreams and aspirations of our talented young musicians. Your presence in the audience helps nurture the next generation of musicians, ensuring music continues to thrive in our community.
Don’t miss this fantastic showcase of our NCYO students. Book your tickets now!

2025-2026 Season Finale Showcase
2026-05-03 15:00 - 16:30 | Ambassador Christian School, 2520 Ambassador Christian Way, Huntersville, NC, 28078, United States
You won’t want to miss the 2025-2026 Season Finale concert featuring ALL of the NCYO’s performing ensembles: Orchestra, Philharmonic, Brass Ensemble, Junior Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Junior Woodwind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Sinfonia Strings Ensemble, and Youth Choir. Grab your tickets now!
Get Spring 2026 Season Tickets and enjoy the entire concert series!
About the Orchestra: The Orchestra is NCYO’s premier ensemble, featuring musicians from all four instrument families under the direction of Eric Boruff.
About the Philharmonic: The Philharmonic is the perfect opportunity for intermediate and advancing string musicians to further develop their orchestral playing! Under the direction of Jen Bassett, this group will perform a wide variety of musical genres.
About the Brass Ensemble: The NCYO Brass Ensemble is our premier brass program connecting elite instruction with more experienced brass youth musicians in the local area. The ensemble is directed by Tom Burge, a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
About the Woodwind Ensemble: The NCYO Woodwind Ensemble is our premier woodwind program and is an exclusive opportunity connecting elite instruction with more experienced woodwind youth musicians in the local area. The ensemble is directed by Sam Sparrow, a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and instructor at Queens University.
About the Percussion Ensemble: The NCYO Percussion Ensemble is our brand-new percussion program and is an exclusive opportunity connecting elite instruction with more experienced percussion youth musicians in the local area. The ensemble is directed by Stephanie Wilson, principal timpanist with the Fayetteville Symphony.
About the Junior Brass Ensemble: NCYO’s intermediate brass ensemble is the perfect fit for brass students looking to learn ensemble skills. Students in the Junior Brass Ensemble will be given the necessary tools to achieve excellent fundamental technique while being introduced to chamber ensemble playing. The ensemble is directed by Andrew Fierova, a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and instructor at Davidson College.
About the Junior Woodwind Ensemble: NCYO’s intermediate woodwind ensemble is the perfect fit for wind students looking to learn ensemble skills. Students in the Junior Woodwind Ensemble will be given the necessary tools to achieve excellent fundamental technique while being introduced to ensemble playing. The ensemble is directed by Nick Ritter, a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
About the Sinfonia Strings Ensemble: The NCYO’s Sinfonia Strings Ensemble is a beginning to intermediate strings ensemble for student musicians under the direction of Julia Fierova.
About the Youth Choir: NCYO Youth Choir is a welcoming choral program for young singers that emphasizes musical excellence, joyful participation, and community through singing. Under the direction of Renata Berlin, singers develop healthy vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills through engaging rehearsals and carefully chosen repertoire. Instruction is designed to meet singers where they are while encouraging growth, confidence, and collaboration.
Supporting Young Musicians: By attending this concert, you not only treat yourself to an extraordinary musical experience but also support the dreams and aspirations of our talented young musicians. Your presence in the audience helps nurture the next generation of musicians, ensuring music continues to thrive in our community.
Don’t miss this fantastic showcase – book your tickets now!

Auditions - May 16
2026-05-16 08:30 - 12:30 | Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S Main St, Davidson, NC, 28036, United States
Students may register to audition for a performing ensemble at www.ncyo.com/register .

Backstage with NCYO: College Admission
2026-09-05 10:00 - 11:30 | St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 8600 Mt Holly-Huntersville Rd, Huntersville, NC, 28078, United States
Join us for a free youth orchestra-focused event as we host representatives from UNC Greensboro, UNC Charlotte, Davidson, and more for a free informational session discussing the college admissions process, preparation for college, and collegiate musical study followed by an audience Q&A. Young students and musicians as well as their families from across the Charlotte region are invited to attend. This session will be on Saturday, September 5 at 10am at St Mark’s Episcopal Church in Huntersville and will have helpful information for all, whether or not your student has plans to study music in college.
Backstage with NCYO is a special series of free independent educational and informational events with helpful resources for students and families across the Charlotte region and beyond.

Fall 26 Concert Series: Chamber Recital
2026-09-12 18:00 - 19:00 | St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Ln, Davidson, NC, 28036, United States
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Kick off the 2026-2027 season with NCYO at our first-ever student chamber recital. Hosted at the beautiful St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Davidson, this recital will feature performances of members of our Orchestra. Admission is free, but tickets are required for entry.
Get Fall 2026 Season Tickets and enjoy the entire concert series!
Supporting Young Musicians: By attending this concert, you not only treat yourself to an extraordinary musical experience but also support the dreams and aspirations of our talented young musicians. Your presence in the audience helps nurture the next generation of musicians, ensuring music continues to thrive in our community.
GET YOUR TICKETS!

Fall 26 Concert Series: Faculty Recital
2026-09-27 14:30 - 16:00 | Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 100 N Main St, Davidson, NC, 28036, United States
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The North Carolina Youth Orchestra will be hosting its fourth annual Faculty Recital on September 27, 2026 at Davidson College Presbyterian Church on the campus of Davidson College. Our team, primarily comprised of Charlotte Symphony Orchestra musicians, will be performing an exciting range of solo and chamber musical works. Program details to be announced. We invite our community to join us in enjoying a Sunday afternoon filled with vibrant music!
Admission is free thanks to the generosity of our friends and partners at Arts and Science Council. Tickets are still required for entry.
Get Fall 2026 Season Tickets and enjoy the entire concert series!

GET YOUR TICKETS!

Fall 26 Concert Series: Ensembles & Orchestra
2026-10-18 15:00 - 16:00 | Cain Center for the Arts, 21348 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC, 28031, United States
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The North Carolina Youth Orchestra hosts its first concert in its Fall 2026 Concert Series. NCYO Ensembles lead the program with the Orchestra taking the stage after intermission for its debut performance at Cain Center. Program to be announced.
Get Fall 2026 Season Tickets and enjoy the entire concert series!
About the Orchestra: The Orchestra is NCYO’s premier ensemble, featuring musicians from all four instrument families under the direction of Eric Boruff performing classical masterworks.
About the Brass Ensemble: The NCYO Brass Ensemble is our premier brass program connecting elite instruction with more experienced brass youth musicians in the local area. The ensemble is directed by Tom Burge, a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
About the Woodwind Ensemble: The NCYO Woodwind Ensemble is our premier woodwind program and is an exclusive opportunity connecting elite instruction with more experienced woodwind youth musicians in the local area. The ensemble is directed by Sam Sparrow, a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and instructor at Queens University.
About the Percussion Ensemble: The NCYO Percussion Ensemble is our brand-new percussion program and is an exclusive opportunity connecting elite instruction with more experienced percussion youth musicians in the local area. The ensemble is directed by Stephanie Wilson, principal timpanist with the Fayetteville Symphony.
About the Junior Brass Ensemble: NCYO’s intermediate brass ensemble is the perfect fit for brass students looking to learn ensemble skills. Students in the Junior Brass Ensemble will be given the necessary tools to achieve excellent fundamental technique while being introduced to chamber ensemble playing. The ensemble is directed by Andrew Fierova, a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and instructor at Davidson College.
About the Junior Woodwind Ensemble: NCYO’s intermediate woodwind ensemble is the perfect fit for wind students looking to learn ensemble skills. Students in the Junior Woodwind Ensemble will be given the necessary tools to achieve excellent fundamental technique while being introduced to ensemble playing. The ensemble is directed by Nick Ritter, a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
Supporting Young Musicians: By attending this concert, you not only treat yourself to an extraordinary musical experience but also support the dreams and aspirations of our talented young musicians. Your presence in the audience helps nurture the next generation of musicians, ensuring music continues to thrive in our community.
GET YOUR TICKETS!

Fall 26 Concert Series: Youth Choir, Sinfonia, & Philharmonic
2026-10-25 15:00 - 16:00 | Cain Center for the Arts, 21348 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC, 28031, United States
GET YOUR TICKETS!
The North Carolina Youth Orchestra hosts its second concert in its Fall 2026 Concert Series, featuring performances by NCYO’s new Youth Choir followed by Sinfonia Strings Ensemble and Philharmonic. Program to be announced.
Get Fall 2026 Season Tickets and enjoy the entire concert series!
About the Youth Choir: The NCYO Youth Choir is a welcoming choral program under the direction of Renata Berlin for young singers that emphasizes musical excellence, joyful participation, and community through singing. Singers develop healthy vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills through engaging rehearsals and carefully chosen repertoire. Instruction is designed to meet singers where they are while encouraging growth, confidence, and collaboration.
About the Sinfonia Strings Ensemble: The NCYO’s Sinfonia Strings Ensemble is a beginning to intermediate strings ensemble for student musicians under the direction of Julia Fierova.
About the Philharmonic: The Philharmonic is the perfect opportunity for intermediate and advancing string musicians to further develop their orchestral playing! Under the direction of Jen Bassett, this group performs a wide variety of musical genres from pop classic, film favorites, and classical standards.
Supporting Young Musicians: By attending this concert, you not only treat yourself to an extraordinary musical experience but also support the dreams and aspirations of our talented young musicians. Your presence in the audience helps nurture the next generation of musicians, ensuring music continues to thrive in our community.
GET YOUR TICKETS!

Backstage with NCYO: Summer Festivals
2026-11-14 10:30 - 12:00 | St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 8600 Mt Holly-Huntersville Rd, Huntersville, NC, 28078, United States
Join us at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Huntersville for an engaging and informative session focused on summer music opportunities. Students, parents, and families will be able to learn about participating in summer festivals and camps, hear first-hand experiences from previous attendees, and meet representatives from regional programs at our informational fair. Whether you’re exploring your first summer music experience or planning your next step toward an advanced program, this event will help you discover the many ways to grow musically, connect with peers, and make the most of your summer.

Backstage with NCYO is a special series of free independent educational and informational events with helpful resources for students and families across the Charlotte region and beyond.

Fall 26 Concert Series: Holiday Showcase
2026-12-05 14:00 - 15:30 | Ambassador Christian School, 2520 Ambassador Christian Way, Huntersville, NC, 28078, United States
GET YOUR TICKETS!
You won’t want to miss the 2026 NCYO Holiday Showcase concert featuring ALL of the NCYO’s performing ensembles: Orchestra, Philharmonic, Brass Ensemble, Junior Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Junior Woodwind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Sinfonia Strings Ensemble, and Youth Choir. Grab your tickets now!
Get Fall 2026 Season Tickets and enjoy the entire concert series!
About the Orchestra: The Orchestra is NCYO’s premier ensemble, featuring musicians from all four instrument families under the direction of Eric Boruff.
About the Philharmonic: The Philharmonic is the perfect opportunity for intermediate and advancing string musicians to further develop their orchestral playing! Under the direction of Jen Bassett, this group will perform a wide variety of musical genres.
About the Brass Ensemble: The NCYO Brass Ensemble is our premier brass program connecting elite instruction with more experienced brass youth musicians in the local area. The ensemble is directed by Tom Burge, a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
About the Woodwind Ensemble: The NCYO Woodwind Ensemble is our premier woodwind program and is an exclusive opportunity connecting elite instruction with more experienced woodwind youth musicians in the local area. The ensemble is directed by Sam Sparrow, a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and instructor at Queens University.
About the Percussion Ensemble: The NCYO Percussion Ensemble is our brand-new percussion program and is an exclusive opportunity connecting elite instruction with more experienced percussion youth musicians in the local area. The ensemble is directed by Stephanie Wilson, principal timpanist with the Fayetteville Symphony.
About the Junior Brass Ensemble: NCYO’s intermediate brass ensemble is the perfect fit for brass students looking to learn ensemble skills. Students in the Junior Brass Ensemble will be given the necessary tools to achieve excellent fundamental technique while being introduced to chamber ensemble playing. The ensemble is directed by Andrew Fierova, a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and instructor at Davidson College.
About the Junior Woodwind Ensemble: NCYO’s intermediate woodwind ensemble is the perfect fit for wind students looking to learn ensemble skills. Students in the Junior Woodwind Ensemble will be given the necessary tools to achieve excellent fundamental technique while being introduced to ensemble playing. The ensemble is directed by Nick Ritter, a member of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
About the Sinfonia Strings Ensemble: The NCYO’s Sinfonia Strings Ensemble is a beginning to intermediate strings ensemble for student musicians under the direction of Julia Fierova.
About the Youth Choir: NCYO Youth Choir is a welcoming choral program for young singers that emphasizes musical excellence, joyful participation, and community through singing. Under the direction of Renata Berlin, singers develop healthy vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills through engaging rehearsals and carefully chosen repertoire. Instruction is designed to meet singers where they are while encouraging growth, confidence, and collaboration.
Supporting Young Musicians: By attending this concert, you not only treat yourself to an extraordinary musical experience but also support the dreams and aspirations of our talented young musicians. Your presence in the audience helps nurture the next generation of musicians, ensuring music continues to thrive in our community.
Don’t miss this fantastic showcase – book your tickets now!
GET YOUR TICKETS!
