History

One of the oldest youth orchestras in Illinois, the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) has provided quality orchestral training for young people in the region for over four decades. Founded in 1965 by Donald Zimmerman, the RSYO continues to operate under the auspices of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.  RSYO conductors have often had a strong connection to the RSO, and several former conductors continue to perform as section leaders with the RSO.

Conductors of the RSYO 

Donald Zimmerman, founder (1965- 1974)

Ernest Seeman (1974-1977)

Owen Seward (1977-1978)

Art Montzka (1978-1979)

Jack Simon (1979-1983)

Tim Juergensen (1983-1988)

Chelsea Tipton, III (1989-1991)

Michael Beert (1991-2001)

Hsien-Liang Lien (2001-2004)

Alison Gaines (2004-2009)

Daniel Black (2009-current)