Led by CYSO Associate Conductor, Terrance Oliveras Gray, the Concert Orchestra provides middle and high school students with an advanced level of orchestral training. The season schedule includes weekly rehearsals, sectionals, a concerto competition, and concerts in some of Chicago’s most renowned venues including Mandel Hall at the University of Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center and Symphony Center, Orchestra Hall. Concert Orchestra students participate in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago’s innovative mentoring program, MusiCorps^sm which includes several visits each semester by Civic Orchestra members who coach sectionals and join full rehearsals in a teaching capacity.

Concert Orchestra students also have the opportunity to perform local and world premieres of new works and commissions. Recent composers have included Mike McFerron, D.J. Sparr and Jonathan Uth. In addition, the Concert Orchestra collaborates with professional soloists and orchestras such as the Chicago Sinfonietta, Rockford Area Youth Symphony Orchestra and the CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra.

Members of the Concert Orchestra also participate in Chamber Music, Music Theory, and CYSO Ambassadors Program.