Conducted initially by Dr. Charles Moore, EYO grew through the years to include advanced high school musicians, and then expanded to include three ensembles.

The orchestras were conducted over many years by faculty members from the School of Music at East Carolina University. EYO is not an entity of ECU, but the ECU School of Music generously sponsors the youth orchestras by allowing them to rehearse and perform in its facilities.

The senior (Philharminc) orchestra is currently conducted by Dr. Tim Nowak. A junior (Sinfonia) orchestra was formed in 2003, and is directed by Betsy Hughes. A preparatory level (Prelude) orchestra was added in 2005 and is currently conducted by Natalie Haugeberg.

Over the years EYO has been a springboard for many young musicians, and has hundreds of alumni, many of whom are now teaching and performing music.

Auditions
Auditions are required each year for all students, both previous members and new interested new students. This year, the audition format will be standardized for ALL students—all ability levels and all instruments (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, etc.). See the information below for signup details and an explanation of the procedures.

Auditions will be held on:
Monday, June 8, 5:00-7:30pm
Tuesday, June 9, 5:00-7:30pm
Wednesday, September 2, 5:00-7:30pm [Sign-ups available in August 2026]

Auditions will take place in Room B-126 of the AJ Fletcher Music Center at ECU.

IMPORTANT: You Must Register For These Auditions Online Before You Come (CLICK HERE).

Please see 'AUDITION' page for complete information about auditions

If you have friends in the community who might be interested in joining us, feel free to forward this information, or you can have them contact Dr. Tim Nowak (nowakt19@ecu.edu) directly with any questions.

Rehearsals & Concerts: Fall Season
Rehearsals: Mon., Sept. 14 through Mon., Nov. 16, 7:00pm-8:30/9:00pm
Concert #1: Pitt County Youth Arts Festival: Sat., Oct. 17, 2026 (South Central HS, Time TBD)
Concert #2: EYO Fall Concert: Mon., Nov. 16, 7:00pm, AJ Fletcher Recital Hall (ECU)

Rehearsals & Concerts: Spring Season
Rehearsals: Mon., Jan. 4, through Mon., March 8, 7:00pm-8:30/9:00pm (No Rehearsals Mon., 1/18)
Concert #1: Black Composers Concert: Tues., Feb. 23, 7:00pm [TENTATIVE] (Koinonia Christian Center, Greenville)
Concert #1: EYO Spring Concert: Mon., March 8, 7:00pm, AJ Fletcher Recital Hall (ECU)

**PLEASE NOTE**: Attendance at ALL rehearsals and concerts is required, so PLEASE check your calendars before you make the decision to commit your child to the program. Failure to attend all rehearsals will result in your child being dropped from the program (and forfeiture of tuition).