Our story
Twenty years of opening doors.
Started in 2006 as the Cornelius Youth Orchestras, NCYO set out to educate and enhance the knowledge, skill, and ability of community youth by giving young musicians unique orchestral training and performing opportunities.
The organization was founded through a partnership between Eduardo Cedeño, Claire Cedeño, William Haraden, and Nanette Haraden. In January of 2019, Eric Boruff accepted the position of music director.
Every opportunity is made to provide an atmosphere where students can be challenged in the discipline of music training and be actively involved in group performance within a comfortable, engaging environment. Under Eric Boruff’s leadership, the organization more than quintupled enrollment and, in 2025, embraced a new identity: the North Carolina Youth Orchestra.
Our mission
The NCYO seeks to elevate and educate student musicians by fulfilling its dual mission of providing music education and orchestral performing opportunities for youth, while simultaneously serving the community at large as a performing arts organization hosting concerts, live music, and other events.
Administrative staff
- Eric BoruffExecutive Director
- Debbie JamesDirector of Development
- April DunnDirector of Finance
- Kayla FugittDirector of Communications
- Julia FierovaDirector of Operations
- Grant PrimmDirector of Marketing & Recruitment
- Stephanie FilesSocial Media Manager
- Eric KeithPhotography & Media Specialist
- Diana D’AmicoAdministrator
- Li Lin LeeVolunteer Coordinator
Board of directors
- Eric Boruff, President
- Dr. Stanley Getz, Director
- April Dunn, Treasurer
Board of advisors
- Jaime Lane — Lake Norman Economic Development
- Alex Pecoraro — SMD, Head of Retirement Services Technology at TIAA
- Nat Hyde — Bank of America Private Bank, Managing Director (retired)
- Adam Wilson — Learn Music, Founder
- Rusty Knox — Town of Davidson, Mayor
- Denis Bilodeau — Town of Cornelius, Commissioner (former)
- Edwin Quarles — Town of Huntersville, Commissioner