The Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) is entering an exciting new chapter as it prepares for its 37th season, announcing new Board leadership, a renewed strategic vision, and a new rehearsal home designed to strengthen the student experience for young musicians throughout the region.

At its recent Board Retreat, CYSO’s Board of Directors reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to one guiding principle: every decision should enhance the student experience. While continuing its tradition of musical excellence, the organization will expand educational opportunities, community engagement, and student leadership initiatives to provide an experience that extends well beyond weekly rehearsals and concerts.

As part of this vision, the Board has elected Chie Smith as President of the Board of Directors.

Smith is an internationally trained pianist and educator with more than twenty years of experience in music education and performance in both Japan and the United States. She currently serves as Music Director for the Keisho Washington Japanese Heritage Center and as a piano instructor through the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Guest Artist Program at Broadneck High School. Her extensive background in music education, performance, and nonprofit leadership brings valuable experience to the organization.

“Chie is an exceptional educator and leader whose passion for young musicians aligns perfectly with the direction of our organization,” said Dane Krich, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra. “As we continue to grow, our focus is not simply on increasing enrollment, but on creating an experience where students develop as musicians, leaders, and people. Chie shares that vision completely.”

The organization also extends its sincere appreciation to Jane Chambers, who recently concluded her service as Board Secretary after many years of dedicated leadership and volunteer service. Jane’s commitment has played an important role in the success and growth of CYSO, and the organization is deeply grateful for her many contributions.

Stepping into the role of Board Secretary is Colleen Harris, an elementary school principal with Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Harris has served AACPS since 2004 as a classroom teacher, behavior specialist, assistant principal, and principal. As the parent of a current CYSO student, she has experienced firsthand the impact the organization has on young musicians and is excited to help guide its future.

Beginning this fall, CYSO will also relocate its weekly rehearsals to Annapolis Area Christian School in Severn. With the exception of the flute ensembles, all orchestras will rehearse together on Thursday evenings, providing a central location with expanded rehearsal space, ample parking, and gathering areas for families. The move is intended to foster a stronger sense of community by bringing nearly all of CYSO’s ensembles together under one roof each week.

CYSO also extends its heartfelt appreciation to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, which has generously hosted the organization for many years.

“We are incredibly grateful to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church for its friendship and unwavering support,” Krich said. “They have been a wonderful home for CYSO. Our move to Annapolis Area Christian School is driven by an opportunity to bring our orchestras together in one location and create an even stronger sense of community for our students and families.”

The upcoming season will feature expanded masterclasses, additional performance opportunities, enhanced student leadership initiatives, and the continued growth of Musical Bridges, CYSO’s community instrument lending program designed to remove financial barriers and expand access to music education.

“As CYSO enters its 37th season, we are focused on one simple goal,” Krich said. “We want every student to leave our program not only as a stronger musician, but as a more confident, connected, and inspired young person.”

The Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra serves students from Anne Arundel County and throughout the Baltimore-Washington region through multiple orchestras and ensembles dedicated to artistic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement.

Auditions for the 2026-2027 season continue on a rolling basis.

For more information about the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, visit www.cysomusic.org.