Children’s Orchestra Society

I spent 3 years of my high school year in COS as a member. Honestly it was the most fascinating time in my high school year. COS is unique from other orchestra in terms of size, atmosphere, and music programs. It is a warm and small orchestra, which means each musician plays a big role making harmony and each musician is heard from the audience. Conductors are genuinely nice and faculties are always welcoming. Atmosphere is so great. People are very friendly and everyone wants to help you to become a better musician. I also took chamber music program and played with other instrument players. It was so fun and it is definitely a different vibe from orchestra. I always loved music and was looking for orchestra I could enjoy and grow as a happier musician. When I found COS, I truly had many great times there. As I was a high school student, it not only helped me to become a happier musician, but also helped me to become a stronger person. COS is still part of me now and I wish I was still there!

My children have been COS members for five years, going on their 6^th year, and they have loved every minute of it. What they have gained from their experience:
1. experiencing all levels of orchestra performance in a positive, nurturing environment
2.guidance from talented professional experienced musicians who hail from such esteemed music colleges such as Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College of Music, and Juilliard.
3. advancement of their music skills that consistently place them ahead of their school peers in their middle and high school orchestras (if that is important to some players) because the music is really challenging. It helps them achieve good seats in All County and LISFA festivals as well as their summer music programs (again, if that is important to players) because they are used to several seating auditions a year.
4. and friendship and camaraderie! My kids have FUN!
COS has high standards and make the students really work but does so in a friendly noncompetitive atmosphere that extends to the parents, too. The only issue I have is that it is not closer to my home but the quality of the instruction is so great that I am not the only one who takes the long commute to Molloy College each Saturday.

COS is one of the best things I’ve ever done! Being part of COS for three years, it has helped shape my life path tremendously; thanks to COS, I went on to study music performance in college and recently landed a job in arranging international and domestic classical concert tours. My passion for arts administration also sparked from interning at COS in high school. I had the wonderful opportunity to perform a concerto with the Young Symphonic Ensemble at Alice Tully Hall which is one of my most memorable musical experiences. On top of all the great opportunities, the staff, faculty and students are amazing people at COS. I hope to see more students join this wonderful COS family!

The Children’s Orchestra Society fosters a unique environment where the young musicians and their families become a part of a tight knit community that engenders long lasting, genuine relationships and integral skills during their formative years. Through learning the language of music, the students not only learn a valuable craft but also the essential qualities of empathy, tenacity, and team work that will follow them for years to come no matter what they choose to do in life. The organization has seen their alumni to continue on to be professional performers, teachers, scientists, and countless other vital components to society. I look at my fellow alumni and am so proud and honored to be among the many who formed the very foundations of who we are during our years at COS and see it as a testament Michael and Yeou-Cheng’s dedication to the incredible work of caring for the growth and development of these bright, creative souls.

Only great things come from a program like COS. It’s a one of a kind experience for classical music, that not only is a great extracurricular program but a place to learn to push your classical music skills to the next level. Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed.

We were lucky enough to be members of COS for 4 years. Our daughter played with children’s orchestra through high school. The word we is the right one. This orchestra becomes your family. Not just the child grows as a musician, person and student, but the whole family benefits from belonging to the COS in many ways. Our daughter is the one who will not shy from any work, although music is her life. Playing and learning to become a professional was achieved with the biggest help from this orchestra.

As an alumni, I would like to say they provided me with the most comprehensive training as a musician. Moreover, they also provide students with the opportunity to perform with world class musician in an major venue every year. First rate education institution while maintaining the family atmosphere! Highly RECOMMEND!