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
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.
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.
Youth Philharmonic Conductor - Andrés Felipe Rodríguez
Andrés Felipe Rodríguez is a conductor and composer with a background rooted in both classical training and orchestral leadership. Born in Medellín, Colombia, he moved to the United States at the age of eight along with his family and two younger sisters. Raised in Northern California, he discovered his passion for music early on, beginning with the guitar before expanding into formal studies.
In 2011, Rodríguez earned his B.S. in Horn Performance from Pacific Union College. He continued his academic journey at the University of Oregon, where he completed an M.M. in Orchestral Conducting. His conducting studies opened the door to professional opportunities, including serving as an assistant conductor with the Eugene Symphony and the Eugene Youth Symphony. He has also appeared as a guest conductor with ensembles such as the Willamette Valley Symphony. Rodríguez has also been an educator teaching music at the secondary level for the past six years in the central Oregon region.
Today, Rodríguez enjoys watching films (in the actual movie theatre), going on hikes with his two dogs, and traveling as much as humanly possible during the summers.
In 2011, Rodríguez earned his B.S. in Horn Performance from Pacific Union College. He continued his academic journey at the University of Oregon, where he completed an M.M. in Orchestral Conducting. His conducting studies opened the door to professional opportunities, including serving as an assistant conductor with the Eugene Symphony and the Eugene Youth Symphony. He has also appeared as a guest conductor with ensembles such as the Willamette Valley Symphony. Rodríguez has also been an educator teaching music at the secondary level for the past six years in the central Oregon region.
Today, Rodríguez enjoys watching films (in the actual movie theatre), going on hikes with his two dogs, and traveling as much as humanly possible during the summers.
Operations Manager - Natalie Larson
Natalie Larson brings a background in music, education, and youth ensemble leadership. She completed her undergraduate studies at Willamette University in piano and voice, and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Cello Performance at Portland State University.
In addition to teaching private piano and cello lessons, Natalie is the founder and director of a Bend area youth orchestra now entering its fourth year, with a particular focus on elementary-age musicians. She also homeschools her five children, an experience that has profoundly shaped her enthusiasm and vision for education.
Natalie is especially passionate about creating environments in which young musicians can grow not only in technical skill, but also in confidence, discipline, and the joys of communal music-making. She is delighted to join COYO and looks forward to supporting its students, families, conductors, and continued growth throughout Central Oregon.
Outside of her professional work, Natalie can typically be spotted on a mountain or lake with her children and husband.
In addition to teaching private piano and cello lessons, Natalie is the founder and director of a Bend area youth orchestra now entering its fourth year, with a particular focus on elementary-age musicians. She also homeschools her five children, an experience that has profoundly shaped her enthusiasm and vision for education.
Natalie is especially passionate about creating environments in which young musicians can grow not only in technical skill, but also in confidence, discipline, and the joys of communal music-making. She is delighted to join COYO and looks forward to supporting its students, families, conductors, and continued growth throughout Central Oregon.
Outside of her professional work, Natalie can typically be spotted on a mountain or lake with her children and husband.
Our Partners
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