The Etowah Youth Orchestras was founded in 1991 to provide major musical and educational experiences to the young musicians of Northeast Alabama.  The EYO works with students age 10-18.  The program consists of 5 ensembles, including a full symphony orchestra, two junior string orchestras, a wind ensemble, and an advanced chamber string ensemble.  The EYO also provides beginning string instruction to students in grades 4-6 in 8 schools in Etowah County.  The ensembles of the EYO have performed throughout the United States, including concerts at Carnegie Hall and at the Lincoln and Kennedy Centers for the Performing Arts.  In 2005, the EYO presented its first international concerts in Manston and Stratford, England.  The EYO has been recognized 10 times in the past 12 years by ASCAP as one of the top 3 youth orchestras in the United States for the performance of contemporary music.