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 - Dr. Travis Allen
Dr. Travis Allen is a multifaceted musician celebrated for his dedicated cello pedagogy, captivating solo performances, and contributions to chamber music. Holding pivotal roles as the Principal Cellist with the Central Oregon Symphony, a distinguished member of the Bend Cello Collective, and the cellist in the esteemed Dove String Quartet, Travis has left an indelible mark on the music scene.
Travis's academic pursuits led him to attain a Master's degree in Cello from Portland State University, a testament to his dedication to his instrument. Furthermore, his thirst for knowledge drove him to achieve both Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Musicology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, solidifying his expertise in the realm of music academia.
While in Portland, Travis had the privilege of performing alongside members of the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Opera, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility as a cellist. Currently, he continues to grace the stage as an integral part of the Sunriver Music Festival.
Travis's commitment to music education is evident through his role as faculty at Central Oregon Community College. There, he imparts his extensive knowledge as he teaches Music History, along with second-year Music Theory and Musicianship. His passion for nurturing the musical growth of his students shines through in every note and lecture.
Travis's musical journey has been enriched by the guidance of exceptional mentors, including Hamilton Cheifetz at Portland State University and Geoffrey Rutkowdski at UC Santa Barbara. Their influence has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping him into the accomplished musician and educator he is today.
In essence, Dr. Travis Allen's contributions to the world of music, both as a performer and an educator, exemplify his unwavering dedication to the art form. His passion for the cello, combined with his academic achievements, make him a respected and cherished member of the musical community.
Travis's academic pursuits led him to attain a Master's degree in Cello from Portland State University, a testament to his dedication to his instrument. Furthermore, his thirst for knowledge drove him to achieve both Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Musicology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, solidifying his expertise in the realm of music academia.
While in Portland, Travis had the privilege of performing alongside members of the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Opera, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility as a cellist. Currently, he continues to grace the stage as an integral part of the Sunriver Music Festival.
Travis's commitment to music education is evident through his role as faculty at Central Oregon Community College. There, he imparts his extensive knowledge as he teaches Music History, along with second-year Music Theory and Musicianship. His passion for nurturing the musical growth of his students shines through in every note and lecture.
Travis's musical journey has been enriched by the guidance of exceptional mentors, including Hamilton Cheifetz at Portland State University and Geoffrey Rutkowdski at UC Santa Barbara. Their influence has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping him into the accomplished musician and educator he is today.
In essence, Dr. Travis Allen's contributions to the world of music, both as a performer and an educator, exemplify his unwavering dedication to the art form. His passion for the cello, combined with his academic achievements, make him a respected and cherished member of the musical 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 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 enjoys backcountry skiing, riding his bike, and playing board games.
Concert Orchestra Conductor - Sarah Ruzicka
Sarah Ruzicka is a dedicated musician and educator with a thriving presence in the Central Oregon community for over 13 years. Currently serving as the co-concert mistress of the
Central Oregon Symphony and the first violinist in the esteemed Dove String Quartet, she is a prominent figure in the local music scene. Alongside her performing career, Sarah passionately maintains a private violin studio, shaping the talents of aspiring young musicians.
Sarah's deep-rooted commitment to music education extends to her extensive experience in teaching children of all ages. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her teaching, fostering the growth and development of her students.
Sarah's academic journey led her to earn a Master's degree in Music Education from Kent State University, a testament to her dedication to the art of teaching and her commitment to excellence in musical pedagogy.
Prior to her tenure in Central Oregon, Sarah enjoyed a successful professional career in Miami, where she lent her musical talents to various orchestras and ensembles. Her versatile playing has graced the stage alongside world-renowned artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Ron Raines, Cee Lo, Paul Oakenfold, and Mark O'Conner. Her impressive resume also includes a captivating performance at the 2008 Latin Grammy Tribute, demonstrating her ability to shine on the grandest of musical stages.
Sarah Ruzicka's enduring passion for music, coupled with her unwavering dedication to education and performance, continues to make her a cherished and influential figure in the Central Oregon musical community. Her musical journey is a testament to her commitment to the art and her belief in the transformative power of music.
Central Oregon Symphony and the first violinist in the esteemed Dove String Quartet, she is a prominent figure in the local music scene. Alongside her performing career, Sarah passionately maintains a private violin studio, shaping the talents of aspiring young musicians.
Sarah's deep-rooted commitment to music education extends to her extensive experience in teaching children of all ages. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her teaching, fostering the growth and development of her students.
Sarah's academic journey led her to earn a Master's degree in Music Education from Kent State University, a testament to her dedication to the art of teaching and her commitment to excellence in musical pedagogy.
Prior to her tenure in Central Oregon, Sarah enjoyed a successful professional career in Miami, where she lent her musical talents to various orchestras and ensembles. Her versatile playing has graced the stage alongside world-renowned artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Ron Raines, Cee Lo, Paul Oakenfold, and Mark O'Conner. Her impressive resume also includes a captivating performance at the 2008 Latin Grammy Tribute, demonstrating her ability to shine on the grandest of musical stages.
Sarah Ruzicka's enduring passion for music, coupled with her unwavering dedication to education and performance, continues to make her a cherished and influential figure in the Central Oregon musical community. Her musical journey is a testament to her commitment to the art and her belief in the transformative power of music.
Our Partners
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