Who is LJYO?

     The La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra has provided an environment for 10 years for young musicians with the stimulating experience of performing a wide range of symphonic repertoire. The LJYO performs full orchestral programs in December, February and May.

     The Orchestra serves students from the region bounded by Oshawa, Belleville, and Peterborough. Concert tours of private and public schools, and field trips to professional performances, are integral to our season calendar.

Goals and Objectives

      La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra (LJYO) is a non-profit organization and registered charity. The primary goal is to provide local youth with the opportunity to purse musical excellence, in a structured group environment. Involvement includes:

     • Saturday morning rehearsals from September to May
     • Weekly sectional rehearsals
     • Three public concerts each year
     • Workshops for local school audiences
     • Benefit concerts for other organizations
     • Field trips to hear professional orchestral performance

     Many LJYO members have gone on to successful participation in post secondary music programs. However, regardless of their formal involvement in music programs after LJYO, the ongoing appreciation for music that LJYO instills is the reason for the motto ‘Music for Life’.

Financial Support

LJYO offers financial support in the following categories:

Cathie Long Music Education Bursary
This Bursary provides funding to support musician in specific sections of the orchestra:
     • French Horn
     • Oboe
     • Bassoon
     • Viola
     • Cello
     • Double Bass

For Bursary details click here.
For Application Form click here.

LJYO Scholarship Fund
LJYO offers an annual scholarship opportunity for members who choose to continue their music education at a post-secondary institution.

For Scholarship fund details click here.

Bill Boddington & Classical FM 96.3 Financial Assistance Fund
This Fund provides assistance to those potential members who require financial assistance in order to participate in LJYO.

For Financial Assistance Fund Details click here.
For Financial Fund Application click here.

Founding Music Director

Michael Lyons (B.Mus., M.Mus.)

     Michael graduated from the University of Western Ontario, where he studied clarinet, conducting and music education. He served as Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Victoria where he directed the UVic Wind Symphony, and at Laurentian University where he was Chairman of Music. Michael can be heard as a regular on-air host on Classical 96.3 FM.

Director of Strings

Laurie Mitchell (B.Mus., M.A.)

     Laurie received her B.Mus. from the University of Western Ontario and her M.A. from the University of Toronto. She studied the Suzuki Method in the United States and Japan. Laurie has a studio of violin students and teaches for the Kawartha Pine Ridge Board of Education. She also performs with her family ensemble Celebration Strings, adjudicates, and teaches at summer music programs.

LJYO pursues continued growth in all endeavors - musical, experiential, financial, and organizational. LJYO fosters a community of nurtured, enlightened, and impassioned music-lovers.

Music for Life!

Board of Directors

Cathie McCabe, President
Virginia Dakers	Roberta Hunt	Marnie Marsh	Marlene Davison (Vice Pres.)
Jaak Liivoja-Lorius	Tracey Sachdeva	Shelley Miehe	Val Mancktelow
Mary Scott

*Positions for new Board Members are available.

Past Presidents

Barbara Henderson

Roger Henderson

Betty Finnie-Hunt

Brian MacFarlane

Patty Crosbie