This website is devoted to the Meriden ArtsTrust (MAT),

the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra, (CCCYO),  

and heartsinthearts.com, MAT's Music advocacy project  for the public schools         

Mrs. Veronica Germain, 

Music Director and Conductor

Mrs. Katrina S. Axelrod, Administrator 

Regarding CCCYO auditions:  musicians in grades 6-12, with at least two years of experience on your instrument are urged to please contact our administrator using the meridenartstrust link to the left and indicate what instrument you play and that you would like to audition.  You will receive free informational material by return e-mail.

All instruments will be accepted throughout the season. Call us to set up an audition with Mrs. Germain.  Come prepared to play music you play well, and with which you are comfortable. You may use your music in your audition. Auditions are about 5-6 minutes long and consist of playing scales, a 2-3 minute mini performance of music of your own choosing and then you will be asked to play a short part of a piece that the CCCYO is currently rehearsing for a concert.  You will be told the outcome of your audition immediately.

While auditions are available year-round, there may be a cut-off date after which the newly accepted musicians may not play in the upcoming concert.  This will be announced in the Weekly Newsletter at rehearsals and is solely at the decision of the Music Director, Mrs. Germain.  All new members will be expected to attend all rehearsals, and will be expected to play a solo at the upcoming concert, in consultation with Mrs. Germain. The cut off is to keep young musicians from cramming their music, neglecting homework or feeling unconfident about their performance.

Our Junior Membership is open to younger musicians who wish to learn about the orchestra, and about music, but will need time and practice before auditioning for the larger ensemble.  Junior members attend the Thursday afternoon and special rehearsals, are invited to all concerts, where they may play a solo and they are given individualized membership cards which allow them to obtain discounts at some music shops in the area.  Jr. Members are invited to all CCCYO group functions, parties, and music education opportunities.   Contact Mrs. Axelrod, Administrator, with the MAT e-mail link. The cost of Junior membership is $35 a year.

Families are a very important part of the CCCYO. Parents and siblings are encouraged to stay and listen and share in the progress of the young musicians. While it is two hours in which parents can do something else, our parents have found that it is also occasionally fun to sit and chat with other parents, find out what the CCCYO is doing.  For young musicians whose families may not be available to share the CCCYO experience, CCCYO welcomes you, too.  If you are seeking a good educational music environment, come ahead, give it a try.  Homeschoolers from 11-19 years of age are welcome.

We offer three publications about the CCCYO and the parent organization, the Meriden ArtsTrust.

1) A CCCYO-specific weekly newsletter, distributed before the rehearsal.  The weekly newsletter keeps parents and musicians informed about hot topics each week.  We'll also keep you informed about the progress of  heartsinthearts.com .

2) The (almost) Quarterly "So Noted", a four-page, full-color summary of the last quarter's activities and upcoming events. 

3) Our concert programs, which list the players, the music and have articles of interest, as well as sponsorship information. Scholarships are given by area businesses and individuals, and are acknowledged in our programs.  There are several of our students who are on complete scholarship, and we are truly grateful to our generous sponsors and generous friends.

Tuition 

Tuition is $125 for a full year of Orchestra programming. This includes all of the rehearsal time, music, weekly snacks, all publications and special events.

We charge tuition by family, not by student. If a sibling of a CCCYO member successfully auditions, there is no extra charge. This is because the CCCYO feels that making music is a family activity and we are supportive of siblings playing music together. 

A student or students may apply for a scholarship by speaking with Mrs. Germain or Mrs. Axelrod.  Do not let money get in the way of making music, we won't.