Led by CYSO Associate Conductor Terrance Malone Gray, the Debut Orchestra provides predominantly middle school aged student musicians with their first exposure to high level full orchestra training. Their season includes weekly rehearsals, sectionals, and performances at major venues such as the Chicago Cultural Center and Northeastern Illinois University’s Fine Arts Auditorium. Debut Orchestra students participate in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago’s innovative mentoring program, MusiCorps, which includes sectionals with Civic Orchestra members.

In addition to their regular season concerts, the Debut Orchestra also performs two education concerts in collaboration with the International Music Foundation.

Members of the Debut Orchestra also have the option to participate in Music Theory Courses.