About Us

Started in 2006, the goal of the Cornelius Youth Orchestras is to educate and enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of the community youth by providing young musicians with unique orchestral training and performing opportunities.  The Cornelius Youth Orchestras was founded through a partnership between Eduardo Cedeño, Claire Cedeño, William Haraden and Nanette Haraden.

Currently, the Cornelius Youth Orchestras is comprised of the Cornelius Youth Orchestra , Cornelius Cadet Orchestra, Begining Group Instruction and Jazz Ensemble.   Every opportunity is made to provide an atmosphere where the student can be challenged in the discipline of music training, be actively involved in group performance within a comfortable, engaging environment.

Musician Membership:  The Cornelius Youth Orchestras programs includes educational instruction, as well as multiple opportunities for group performances, specially designed for students who may not be offered the opportunity traditionally.  It is also designed to provide instruction where none exists, and as a supplement to school and/or private instruction.

Membership is open to all North Mecklenburg, Cornelius, and surrounding community youth who have one or more years of musical experience.   We accept youth musicians regardless of their ability, prior training or ability to pay.  Auditions are conducted for placement within the orchestra and placement is based upon skill level, not age or school grade levels. Tuition scholarships are available so no youth musician will be turned away because of inability to pay, as long as supporting evidence of the need is provided upon application.

Sectional sessions and rehearsals will be held in North Mecklenburg County at:

 Bailey Road Middle School Recreation Center

11900 Bailey Road

 Cornelius, NC 28031

Directions are located at:

http://pages.cms.k12.nc.us/bailey/

Session performances will be held at the Bailey Park Band Shell, and in the Bailey Middle School Recreation Center facility.  Other public performances may be held in any location within Mecklenburg or surrounding counties depending upon the access to facilities and locations of public events for which the groups may perform.

Programs are under the direction of  William (BILL) Haraden, Orchestra Director.  Bill Haraden is co-founder and former conductor of Lake Norman Orchestra and  Co-Founder/Member of The Lake Norman Big Band. He brings more than 25 years of professional music and teaching experience to the organization. See "Conductor Tab" for Bio.  Nanette Haraden, one of the co-founders of the Lake Norman Orchestra, is the program director.  She brings her organizational expertise to the organization.  Please see Instuctor Tab for information about our instructors.

To register for the program Enrollment Form or for more information, please email cyorchestra@gmail.com, contact our Program Director, Nanette Haraden at

(704) 765-1258, or contact the Cornelius PARC Department at (704) 765-1450.

                                                             Presented in cooperation with the assistance of the Town of  Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation & Culture (PARC). 

This project is also made possible in part, through a Community Cultural Connections grant from the Arts & Science Council and the Grassroots Program of the North Carolina Arts Council (a state agency.)