Cleveland State’s School of Music is excited to be the new home of the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony (CYWS). Starting in Fall 2022, CSU music students and CYWS members will make music and share opportunities together.

CYWS is the premier youth wind ensemble in Northeast Ohio, serving 150 to 200 middle and high school students drawn from more than 50 school districts throughout the region. CSU’s School of Music is honored to provide unique support, venues and role modeling for the young musicians involved.

The School of Music is an influencer and creator of opportunity through strategic and promising partnerships throughout the region. This partnership enhances both the reputation and visibility of both organizations and programs, and leaders expect to see increased enrollments and enhanced experiences for all involved.

Cleveland arts lovers will be able to enjoy periodic joint concerts in which the CSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble and CYWS will perform together, extending the already full calendar of music events on campus.

“Having CYWS in residence at CSU turns the instrumental music education program into a destination program with unique opportunities for our students,” said Heather A. Russell, Ph.D., director of the CSU School of Music. CYWS Co-director, Darren Allen, added, "We look forward to a distinguished partnership, where we can work together to further music education and the musical arts in the greater Cleveland area.”

CSU Director of Bands Dr. Birch Browning, and CYWS Co-Music Directors Daniel Crain and Darren Allen were instrumental in creating this alliance in the heart of Cleveland’s performing arts and theatre district. Crain and Allen lead the top CYWS ensemble, Group I, and are joined by Group II Co-Music Directors Michael Komperda and Mark Awad.

The CSU School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and offers two undergraduate degrees in four areas, two graduate degrees, and two post-baccalaureate programs in such disciplines as composition, education, and performance. Many of our graduates become leaders in their chosen fields.