About SCYO » History

The Sussex County Youth Orchestra first performed on June 14, 1987 in Newton, New Jersey.  The orchestra has performed over 48 free concerts and has grown to over 80 members ranging in age from 12 to 28 for the Youth Orchestra. These musicians, who come from Sussex, Morris, Passaic, Essex and Warren Counties as well as nearby Pennsylvania and New York, represent 31 schools and are taught by over 37 private teachers.

Dawn Tedesco, director and founder of the SCYO, began the orchestra in an effort to provide young musicians with a platform to perform orchestral music that was not available in most local school districts. The orchestra has not only enriched the lives of its many musicians, but has been integral in launching successful careers in music and music education.