March 17. The Cornelius Youth Orchestras (CYO) is a non-profit community youth organization that is open for late elementary to high school aged musicians in the Lake Norman area.

The orchestra is currently comprised of seven programs: the Orchestra, Prelude Strings, Apollo String Quartet, Brass Ensemble, Junior Brass Ensemble, Brass Challenge; a new woodwind program starts this fall.

CYO programs are designed to take students where they are and give them the tools and opportunity to elevate their playing and musicianship. As such, students are encouraged to

participate in their specific instrument family ensembles in addition to the orchestra.

CYO welcomes all local youth musicians to join.

Students may visit corneliusyouthorchestras.com/auditions and fill out the registration form. Acceptance in all of our programs begins with submitting an audition video. Instructions are available on the CYO website.

Once an audition is reviewed, applicants are placed in the ensemble most appropriate for their skill level.

The Cornelius Youth Orchestra will present Musical Mosaic, a celebration of music from  around the world at 7:30 pm Friday, March 17, at Lake Forest Church, 8519 Gilead Rd., Huntersville.

Admission is free but tickets are required.