Midwest Young Artists (MYA), the largest youth ensemble music program in the Midwest, was founded in 1993 in Evanston, Illinois by Dr. Allan Dennis and consisted of a single orchestra. Since then, MYA has grown exponentially and now includes six youth symphony orchestras, a comprehensive jazz and big band program, a wind symphony, four choral groups and an entry level early childhood music program for children as young as 12 months. MYA is also renowned for its award-winning Chamber Music Program consisting of over 60 performing groups, and its jazz combos. Other enrichment activities, such as music theory classes and a Summer Music Festival, are also offered by MYA at their building on the grounds of historic Fort Sheridan in Highwood, Illinois, Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia Park, and Ca