Youth orchestras create community; they infuse the growing, youthful spirit with goodness.
About COYO
Welcome to COYO! Central Oregon is a rich community of outdoor activity, and music is a great way to come indoors and explore a special opportunity of music making with good friends and new friends!
Each season COYO students will rehearse and present a wide variety of exciting repertoire featuring student soloists and nationally recognized performers. COYO members will have opportunity to meet and workshop with guest teachers and pedagogues from around the country. The COYO initiative will compliment and support the privileged music making already present in our school programs. COYO members will be supported and mentored in their growth as musical ambassadors for our local communities in Central Oregon and beyond.
The youth orchestra experience provides an exceptional opportunity for enriched musical and personal growth. Each orchestral member is a special presence, which when united, creates a resounding and signature sound. Self-esteem, confidence and true joy for a job well done are fostered; a spirit of real teamwork is cultivated and celebrated. Quality music making can teach and illuminate essential skills vital on the journey to life-long goals and genuine accomplishment.
COYO is now a member of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon.
Each season COYO students will rehearse and present a wide variety of exciting repertoire featuring student soloists and nationally recognized performers. COYO members will have opportunity to meet and workshop with guest teachers and pedagogues from around the country. The COYO initiative will compliment and support the privileged music making already present in our school programs. COYO members will be supported and mentored in their growth as musical ambassadors for our local communities in Central Oregon and beyond.
The youth orchestra experience provides an exceptional opportunity for enriched musical and personal growth. Each orchestral member is a special presence, which when united, creates a resounding and signature sound. Self-esteem, confidence and true joy for a job well done are fostered; a spirit of real teamwork is cultivated and celebrated. Quality music making can teach and illuminate essential skills vital on the journey to life-long goals and genuine accomplishment.
COYO is now a member of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon.
Our Mission
The Central Oregon Youth Orchestra is a regional youth orchestra program educating and inspiring young musicians through exceptional ensemble training and performance opportunities.
Our Team
Executive Director - Laura Earley
We are excited to announce that Laura Earley has been selected as the new Executive Director for Central Oregon Youth Orchestra!
Laura Earley is a career music educator who believes in fostering exceptional music opportunities for youth. Laura has taught K-12 music for over 25 years at distinguished overseas schools. She has led music departments in Egypt, Taiwan, China and Indonesia. Laura has been an elementary, middle and high school band and choral director in Asia and with the Bend LaPine school district. Throughout her career, Laura has connected her ensembles with vibrant community musical opportunities, collaborating with traditional Egyptian musicians, Jazz at Lincoln Center guest artists, and master Balinese Gamelan players.
Laura earned a degree in Piano Performance from the Western Conservatory of Music Canada, BA in Music Education from Western University in Canada and a Master of Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign with a focus on instrumental pedagogy and conducting. She also studied saxophone and violin. Laura is passionate about high quality elementary music programs and holds the Orff Level III specialist certification. She has furthered her study of xylophones and drums in Ghana, Africa.
Laura now lives in Bend, serving on the board of the Sunriver Music Festival and participating actively in the Bend Film Festival and Oregon Adaptive Sports. An outdoor enthusiast, Laura enjoys skiing, biking and hiking. Laura is committed to supporting COYO in providing high-level training, meaningful performance opportunities, and fostering musical growth for its members and the broader community.
Laura Earley is a career music educator who believes in fostering exceptional music opportunities for youth. Laura has taught K-12 music for over 25 years at distinguished overseas schools. She has led music departments in Egypt, Taiwan, China and Indonesia. Laura has been an elementary, middle and high school band and choral director in Asia and with the Bend LaPine school district. Throughout her career, Laura has connected her ensembles with vibrant community musical opportunities, collaborating with traditional Egyptian musicians, Jazz at Lincoln Center guest artists, and master Balinese Gamelan players.
Laura earned a degree in Piano Performance from the Western Conservatory of Music Canada, BA in Music Education from Western University in Canada and a Master of Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign with a focus on instrumental pedagogy and conducting. She also studied saxophone and violin. Laura is passionate about high quality elementary music programs and holds the Orff Level III specialist certification. She has furthered her study of xylophones and drums in Ghana, Africa.
Laura now lives in Bend, serving on the board of the Sunriver Music Festival and participating actively in the Bend Film Festival and Oregon Adaptive Sports. An outdoor enthusiast, Laura enjoys skiing, biking and hiking. Laura is committed to supporting COYO in providing high-level training, meaningful performance opportunities, and fostering musical growth for its members and the broader community.
Concert Orchestra Conductor - Debbie Harrington
Debbie Harrington is a dedicated music educator with over 20 years of experience, now teaching at Elton Gregory Middle School and looking forward to conducting the Central Oregon Youth Symphony Concert Orchestra. She has taught grades 4–12 in diverse settings across the U.S. and abroad, fostering a lifelong love of music in her students.
A skilled cellist, Debbie studied under renowned instructors at the Vancouver Suzuki Academy, Juilliard, and SUNY Stony Brook, where she earned a degree in Music Performance. She later obtained a master’s in Music Education from CUNY Queens College. Her career includes teaching in New York, San Diego, Japan, and New Jersey, as well as leadership roles in county and regional orchestras.
Now settled in Redmond with her family, Debbie is excited to share her passion for music with Central Oregon students and the community.
A skilled cellist, Debbie studied under renowned instructors at the Vancouver Suzuki Academy, Juilliard, and SUNY Stony Brook, where she earned a degree in Music Performance. She later obtained a master’s in Music Education from CUNY Queens College. Her career includes teaching in New York, San Diego, Japan, and New Jersey, as well as leadership roles in county and regional orchestras.
Now settled in Redmond with her family, Debbie is excited to share her passion for music with Central Oregon students and the community.
Youth Philharmonic Conductor - Jonathan Moore
Jonathan Moore was resident conductor and assistant director of the SYZYGY new music ensemble at Southern Methodist University where he led successful performances of works by some of the most technically demanding composers of the day. In October 2016, Jonathan was asked by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to be cover conductor and was a finalist for the position of assistant conductor. For two seasons, he served as assistant conductor for the Meadows Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Paul Phillips. He is currently High School Music Director at the Redmond Proficiency Academy. Jonathan also has played horn with the Central Oregon Symphony and Sunriver Music Festival. He has worked with COYO as a coach and guest conductor for the past five years and is excited to lead the group in his third season as music director.
Born in Nice, France, Jonathan moved to Florida at the age of eleven. He studied conducting with Dr. Paul Phillips at Southern Methodist University where he earned a Master of Music degree in conducting and a Master of Music degree in French horn performance. In addition, he holds degrees in horn performance and political science from the University of Florida. He lives in Bend with his wife and son, and enjoys backcountry skiing, riding his bike, and playing board games.
Born in Nice, France, Jonathan moved to Florida at the age of eleven. He studied conducting with Dr. Paul Phillips at Southern Methodist University where he earned a Master of Music degree in conducting and a Master of Music degree in French horn performance. In addition, he holds degrees in horn performance and political science from the University of Florida. He lives in Bend with his wife and son, and enjoys backcountry skiing, riding his bike, and playing board games.
Wind Ensemble Conductor - Ryan Zwahlen
Ryan Zwahlen is a musician and educator based in Bend, Oregon. An accomplished oboist, he has performed with the LA Philharmonic, San Diego Symphony, and numerous ensembles throughout California. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, Ryan has played with the Eugene and Rogue Valley Symphonies and serves as Principal Oboe for the Central Oregon Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, and Opera Bend. He also regularly performs with the Walla Walla Symphony and is a founding member of the Lumina Flute Trio and Central Oregon Flute Ensemble.
As an educator, Ryan maintains a private studio in Bend, with students performing in the Central Oregon Youth Orchestra and other local ensembles. His students have also participated in honors groups such as the Central Oregon Honors Band and All-State Solo and Ensemble. He is on the faculty of the Young Musicians and Artists (YMA) summer camp and serves as Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Central Oregon Symphony Association. Ryan has presented masterclasses and seminars at universities including Washington State University, Portland State, and Boise State.
Ryan studied oboe with Nancy Ambrose King, Martin Schuring, and Marion Kuszyk, with additional guidance from top flutists including Martha Long. For more information, visit ryanzwahlen.com.
As an educator, Ryan maintains a private studio in Bend, with students performing in the Central Oregon Youth Orchestra and other local ensembles. His students have also participated in honors groups such as the Central Oregon Honors Band and All-State Solo and Ensemble. He is on the faculty of the Young Musicians and Artists (YMA) summer camp and serves as Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Central Oregon Symphony Association. Ryan has presented masterclasses and seminars at universities including Washington State University, Portland State, and Boise State.
Ryan studied oboe with Nancy Ambrose King, Martin Schuring, and Marion Kuszyk, with additional guidance from top flutists including Martha Long. For more information, visit ryanzwahlen.com.
Our Partners
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