McLean Youth Orchestra

CHIBA CULTURAL EXCHANGE

The Chiba City Music Association founded the Chiba Youth Orchestra (CYO) in 1983. At that time, young people in this suburb of Tokyo, Japan found themselves in difficult circumstances. Violence was rampant in schools and at home. The volunteers who founded the orchestra hoped that Chiba’s young people could improve their lives through performing music. With the support of the Chiba City Board of Education, the area’s parents, orchestra alumni, and their renowned teachers have fostered the development of young musicians for over 20 years.

In 2005, members of the McLean Youth Orchestra visited Chiba for the 3rd time to perform with CYO and experience Japanese culture. In this seventh year of the exchange program, members of the CYO visited Virginia to perform with MYO, participating in home stays, and tour our area.

On March 20, 2008 musicians from the McLean Youth Orchestra will have the opportunity to visit Chiba again. Please stay tuned for more information.

Download Chiba Form Now

More photos of 2006 Exchange
(the read only password to view this album is - chiba)
photos courtesy of Deborah Volker, Jim Bernhardt, and Deanna Woo