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 orchestra is currently conducted by Dr. Tim Nowak. A junior orchestra was formed in 2003, and is directed by Betsy Hughes. A preparatory level 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.