Our Team

The Cheyenne Youth Symphony operates under the guidance of a team of experienced leaders who are deeply committed to furthering our mission. Their dedication and expertise play a crucial role in fostering a nurturing environment for our young musicians, ensuring that we not only uphold our values but also inspire artistic growth and excellence within the community.

Jaylene Willhite

Artistic Director, Founder

Mrs. Jaylene Willhite founded the Cheyenne Youth Symphony in November of 2000 and has been the Artistic Director since its inception. She finds being a part of the CYS an extremely rewarding experience that has allowed her to watch the students develop and mature as young musicians.

Mrs. Willhite began her teaching career after graduating with a Bachelors of Music Education from the University of Wyoming in Laramie Wyoming. She went on to further her career by earning her Masters of Arts in Teaching in 2006 from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona.

Mrs. Willhite was a music teacher for the Laramie County School District #1 for 33 years and recently retired after 43 years of teaching in June of 2024. She has taught elementary general music, elementary orchestra and band and junior high and high school orchestra.

Mrs. Willhite is a member of the Wyoming Music Educators Association and served as the Orchestra Vice-President May 2017 through May 2019. She is also a member of the American String Teachers Association.

Mrs. Willhite has been a member of the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra for 37 years. She enjoys being able to continue performing and being a part of a very important organization in the Cheyenne community.

Zoe Zieres

Assistant

Zoe Zieres has been a music educator in Laramie County School District for three years. A Laramie native, she graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelors of Music Education in 2017, where she taught with the UW String Project.

Ms. Zieres has been in public and private music education for almost ten years and has taught a variety of subjects including orchestra, general music, private lessons, and early childhood music.

Ms. Zieres continues to play professionally as a substitute member of the viola section in both the Cheyenne and Wyoming Symphony Orchestras. She enjoys getting the opportunity to work with the Cheyenne Youth Symphony to help bring music to her community!

Susan Brown

Accompanist

Susan Brown has retired after teaching music classes in Laramie County School District 1 and 2 for 31 years. Mrs. Brown taught band and choir at McCormick Jr High and Burns High School, as well as elementary strings, in LCSD 1

Mrs. Brown is married and has two grown
children. She loves to play the string bass and piano, and to spend time with her family
and granddaughter.

CYS is extremely fortunate to have this talented musician as part of our program!