Chiba Youth Orchestra

The Chiba City Music Association founded the Chiba Youth Orchestra (CYO)
in 1983. At that time, young people in the community found themselves in devastated
circumstances where violence was rampant at schools and at home. The volunteers
involved in the founding of the orchestra hoped the young people would get
back a healthy life through performing music. For the past 20 years, the well-renowned
trainers, the parents, and the alumni have brought up many young musicians
with the support of the Chiba City Board of Education.

The Chiba Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Rikiya Nagano,
currently has approximately 100 members ranging from ages 9 through 20.
They perform
at least two major concerts a year, and their love for music stays with
them for the rest of their lives. Many of the members continue to pursue
their
musical interests seriously after they leave the CYO.