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The Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras (CKYO) is a youth orchestra founded in 1947 by Howard Pence and based in Lexington, Kentucky. CKYO has a storied tradition and is dedicated to the musical education and growth of its student members. It is one of the oldest independently chartered youth orchestra in the United States. Over 400 students from 15 counties and 60 area schools participate in CKYO. CKYO has performed at the Singletary Center for the Arts on the University of Kentucky campus, the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, the Lexington Opera House in downtown Lexington, and other venues around the state. Children's concerts and benefits for community organizations and businesses are also part of each season for CKYO. Orchestra members enjoy a major performance tour every three years; in the summer of 2008, CKYO performed concerts in Portugal and Spain. CKYO offers six orchestras; Symphony, Concert, Repertory, Preparatory Strings, Jazz Arts, and Jazz Repertory, as well as three community initiatives CKYO in the Schools, Friends in Music, and North Limestone MusicWorks.
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History
For Howard Pence, a Lexington area music teacher, started the orchestra in 1947 with 14 local high school string players. Pence wanted to provide quality learning and performance opportunities for young musicians. The orchestra went from the original 14 string players to 49 players and a full Youth Symphony Orchestra in 1949.
The Youth Music Society of Central Kentucky changed its name to the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras, today consisting of six orchestras and over 400 talented young people.