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ESYO Young Leaders

The Young Leader program provides ESYO members the opportunity to engage in leadership training and gain hands-on experience in the music world. Young Leaders have the chance to assist in ESYO programs, collaborate with their peers on community projects, engage with mentors and participate in leadership workshops.

Young Leader Applications are now open for the 2024-25 season.

Applications are due Sunday, September 7. 
Program admission decisions will be sent by September 18.
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Explore our projects

From a Musician's Perspective

From a Musician’s Perspective is a project curated in the spring of 2023 as part of an initiative to help young musicians learn about various aspects of music making.

Soundwalk Microsite

The ESYO Soundwalk is an immersive, musical audio tour in Washington Park that accompanies individuals as they walk along a specific nature path, and that changes with their location.

Playing Through the Pause

Members of ESYO's Young Leader Program coordinated "virtual residencies" at local nursing homes, hospitals and senior living communities.

Music For A Quarantined Holiday

A compilation of holiday music performed by various solos, duets, and groups.

Radetzky March by Johann Strauss Sr.

Watch the Young Leaders perform on our Virtual Concert Hall!

    Young Leader Training & Volunteer Tracks

    To be eligible for the Young Leaders program, a student must be in high school, and be a member in good standing of an ESYO performing ensemble or of the CHIME program. All Young Leaders are expected to select one of the following tracks for the season.

    It is possible to participate in volunteer opportunities in either track, but Young Leaders are expected to receive training and dedicate the majority of their YL time to one or the other.

    ESYO Young Leader Ambassador

    Training

    • Receive training to give public presentations about ESYO (can include outreach performances)
    • Receive training to give music education & recruitment presentations in schools

    Volunteer Opportunities

    • Public presentations on behalf of ESYO
    • Public performances on behalf of ESYO
    • Participate in ESYO social media, marketing and/or recruitment campaigns

    ESYO Young Leader Teaching Assistant

    Training

    • Receive training on peer mentorship
    • Receive training on teaching

    Volunteer Opportunities

    • Teaching Assistant in the CHIME program
    • Teaching Assistant in one of ESYO’s performing ensembles and/or chamber music
    • Teaching Assistant in the ESYO/CHIME summer program
    • Participate in professional development workshops with ESYO teachers/conductors

    In addition to the required activities listed above, Young Leaders are encouraged to explore the following optional activities as time, schedule and inclination allow:

    OPTIONAL: Capstone Projects

    Young Leaders are invited to submit a Capstone Project proposal by October 20, 2024 for review and approval. Approved projects will be supported by ESYO staff and members of the ESYO community as needed. YLs are invited to submit a budget request along with their project proposal for review and approval. While open to all, this experience is recommended for returning Young Leaders in their junior or senior year, and will require a significant time commitment.

    OPTIONAL: Governance & Strategic Initiatives

    Young Leaders are encouraged to serve on strategic committees and serve as ESYO Youth Board Representatives. While not required, these opportunities are strongly recommended as they build leadership skills and positively impact the organization.