In September of '97, students up to grade 12 had the opportunity to join the newly formed Cannon Valley Youth Orchestra. The CVYO was born after a one day workshop held in April of 1997 for students of music teachers in Northfield and the surrounding rural communities. Interested parents initiated the orchestra as an enrichment experience for their children, modeling it after the youth orchestras that flourish in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mankato and Rochesters. While those groups are available to local students, travel time and distance make for late nights or long days.

In addition to providing an enriched musical environment for experienced string players, the CVYO is designed to give those students who would otherwise have no orchestral opportunities the chance to participate in such an activity with their local peer group.

Originally the CVYO was envisioned as being one orchestra. Due to the wide response of string players -- often with widely varying ability levels -- it was decided that two orchestras could provide a better atmosphere for each student's artistic growth and personal development. Thus were formed the Haydn and Mozart (more advanced) orchestras. Placement in the appropriate orchestra is determined by the conductors after an audition. Appointment times may be scheduled by calling Dora Barvir at 507-645-4311, or by email at contact@cvyomn.org. A ten dollar fee is charged for each student wishing to audition.

There are currently about fifty students from grades 4-12 who participate in the CVYO. Members have included players from the communities of Northfield, Faribault, Cannon Falls, New Prague, Montgomery, Elko, Red Wing, Lakeville, Hampton, Owatonna, Prior Lake, Randolph, Nerstrand, Kenyon, and Dundas.

Jennifer Arco is the conductor of both the Haydn and Mozart orchestras. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Jennifer has taught junior high and elementary strings in Owatonna since 1995, and she is currently the director of the three string orchestras at Owatonna Junior High School. Jennifer has had an active musical career as a conductor and performer. She has directed youth orchestras throughout the state including the Upper Midwest Mankato Youth Orchestra, as well as orchestras at the YMCA Music Camp in Hudson, Wisconsin. She has participated in orchestra festivals, string camps, and teacher workshops throughout the state, and has judged solo and ensemble contests in Minnesota and Wisconsin.