Three Guest Conductors to Lead AYSO during 2017-2018 season

AYPO announces the appointment of three guest conductors - Nell Flanders, John Devlin, and Glenn Quader - to lead the American Youth Symphonic Orchestra during the 2017-2018 season. 

Nell Flanders’ conducting credits include performances with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Mannes Orchestra at Alice Tully Hall, Secret Opera Company, Peabody Symphony, the Riverside Orchestra, and the Chelsea Symphony, with whom she starts as a staff conductor in September 2017. She has served as cover conductor for the Buffalo Philharmonic and assistant conductor of the Peabody Opera program and the Stamford Young Artists Philharmonic. Ms. Flanders will lead AYSO on their opening concert (November 19, 2017) with Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain and Borodin's Symphony No. 2. 

John Devlin is the Cover Conductor for the National Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work with the NSO, he is the Assistant Conductor of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, and the Artistic Director and Conductor of Gourmet Symphony. An active conductor of high school and collegiate ensembles, Devlin previously served as the Music Director of the McLean Youth Orchestra and the Youth Orchestras of Prince William. Mr. Devlin will conduct AYSO on their February 25, 2018 concert with works by Brahms, Smetana and Tchaikovsky.

A native of Washington, DC, Glenn Quader returns to AYPO having previously served as conductor of the Concert Orchestra from 2014-2016.  Mr. Quader’s most recent professional appointments include Conductor of the Piedmont Symphony, Music Director of the Frederick Symphony Orchestra, and Conductor for the Maryland Lyric Opera. Mr. Quader will lead AYSO on their final concert of the year on May 20, 2018.

To read more about the AYSO guest conductors, please visit http://www.aypo.org/1718-conductors/

AYPO Chamber Ensembles on the Millennium Stage

Students from the AYPO Chamber Ensemble Program performed on the Millennium Stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 22. More than 200 people attended the free concert that featured works by Brahms, Mozart, Schumann, Fernandez and Beethoven.

Congratulations to the following students on their performance: Xander Day (flute), Jasper de Boor (violin), Christina French (bassoon), Catie George (clarinet), Betelihem Hadgu (violin), Cameron Harper (clarinet), Annika Hsu (violin), Caley Koch (cello), Juliana Layendecker (violin), Ryan Lee (viola), Calvin Liu (violin), Clara Na (piano), Sam Panner (violin), Daniel Park (piano), Sharon Park (cello), Segada Panano (bassoon), Shannon Prescott (oboe/english horn), Won Seok Song (cello), Courtney Tern (clarinet), and Ella Wood (viola).

The AYPO Chamber Ensembles are coached by the Ensemble da Camera of Washington (Claire Eichhorn, clarinet; Ricardo Cyncynates, violin; Anna Balakerskaia, piano).

AYPO Receives Gift from Bannon Foundation

Dr. Graham Elliott, AYPO Executive Director, receiving the first installment of the grant from William Bannon, Foundation Trustee

The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (AYPO) is grateful to the Bannon Foundation for its generous gift to the AYPO Endowment of $150,000 to increase the amount of financial and and scholarships we are able to offer each year. The money will be received in five annual installments of $30,000 and $5,000 of that money is earmarked for the immediate benefit of students, while the remainder is added to the current endowment funds. Each year AYPO provides financial support and merit scholarships funded by interest from the endowment. The goal is to increase these funds to an invested sum of $1 million to allow many more students to take part in the program of five orchestras and five instrumental ensembles.

AYPO Students Perform At Vinson Hall Retirement Community

As part of AYPO's continued commitment to community outreach, students from AYP, AYSO and AYCO performed for residents of Vinson Hall Retirement Community on Saturday, May 20. Students performed works by Bach, Vaughan-Williams, Debussy, Vivaldi, Saint-Saens, and Rachmaninoff. Students that performed were Daniel Han (cello), Miya West (violin), Noah Portner (clarinet), Daniel Zhang (violin), Ryan Chon (cello/piano), and Ramya Griddaluri (violin).

17-18 Auditions Deadline EXTENDED to May 15th!

The AYPO Auditions Deadline for the 2017 - 2018 Season has been extended to Monday, May 15th. Visit the Auditions tab on our website for access to the application form, audition requirements, and school music form. 

Contact the office at 703-642-8051 or auditions@aypo.org with any questions!

Sylvia Alimena Named Interim Music Director of AYPO

AYPO is pleased to announce the interim appointments of Sylvia Alimena as Music Director of AYPO and as Principal Conductor of the American Youth Philharmonic (AYP) for the 2017-2018 season. Ms. Alimena is currently the Associate Conductor of AYP and the Director of the AYPO Brass Fellowship for Orchestral Arts, a role in which she will continue to serve.

Christopher Zimmerman, Artistic Director of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras and Principal Conductor of the American Youth Philharmonic (AYP), will step down at the end of this season after four successful years with the organization. During his tenure, Maestro Zimmerman prepared and directed the group for numerous major concerts and has introduced an exciting array of guest soloists. Board President Robert Sollinger commented, “Our musicians and audiences have benefited richly from Maestro Zimmerman’s talents as an educator and musician. We wish him continued success, and we look forward to future engagements with Chris as a guest conductor.”

 “We are delighted that Sylvia Alimena has agreed to serve as interim Music Director and Conductor of AYP for the coming season. We have gained enormously from Sylvia’s work with AYPO in a number of ways, and notably her charismatic influence on the talented young brass players who have learned so much from her varied experience and her superb musicianship,” said Executive Director Graham Elliott. “Sylvia is a gifted teacher and motivator of young musicians and we can be confident that the top orchestra will flourish under her leadership, and the whole organization will gain from her oversight as interim Music Director.”

Ms. Alimena, a passionate and dedicated educator, served as the NSO Summer Music Institute Assistant Conductor, NSO Youth Fellowship Program coach, and NSO Youth Fellowship Program private horn instructor and lecturer. As Music Director of Brass of Peace, she has been an educator and mentor to some of the most renowned brass musicians in the country.

During the past 31 years, Sylvia Alimena has worn many musical hats in the Washington musical arena. She came to the Washington area as second hornist of the National Symphony Orchestra (1985-2014) under Mstislav Rostropovich. She later founded and conducted Eclipse Chamber Orchestra (1992-2012) and was music director of the Avanti Orchestra (1995-2003) and the McLean Orchestra (2003-2010).

A native of Long Island, Ms. Alimena considers herself the product of an excellent public school system and youth orchestra programs. She is the recipient of a Boston University Distinguished Alumni Award and was voted into Washingtonian Magazine’s Musical Hall of Fame in 2003.

AYPO closes its 52nd season on June 4th as Maestro Zimmerman leads Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique in his final performance as AYP’s Principal Conductor. He will return as a guest next season to conduct Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony.  

Highlights and repertoire for all ensembles will be announced soon for the 2017-18 AYPO season. Be sure to register to be a part of another year of AYPO!

AYPO Students Win Misbin Competition!

AYPO Chamber Ensembles were well-represented at the fourth-annual Misbin Chamber Music Competition on April 23. Congratulations to the following students:

FIRST PLACE: Querencia Quartet (Calvin Liu, Annika Hsu, Ella Wood, Caley Koch) 
SECOND PLACE: Trio Giusto (Jasper de Boor, Romain-Olivier Gray, Kevin Wang)
HONORABLE MENTION: Cantabile Quartet (Juliana Layendecker, Betelihem Hadgu, Wonseok Song, Daniel Park)
MISBIN PRIZE: Cantabile Quartet (Juliana Layendecker, Betelihem Hadgu, Wonseok Song, Daniel Park)

The AYPO Chamber Ensembles are coached by the Ensemble da Camera of Washington (Claire Eichhorn, clarinet; Ricardo Cyncynates, violin; Anna Balakerskaia, piano). 

Prize winners may be invited to perform at events that may include: Happenings at the Harman, Levine Introduces, pre-concert performances at Washington Performing Arts events, the annual Waterford “Best of Levine” Concert Series and may also include performances at the National Gallery, Millennium Stage, and appropriate master classes.

MISBIN FAMILY MEMORIAL CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION

Summer String Academy 2017!

Jump-start your AYPO experience this summer with the AYPO Summer String Academy! Rising 3-6 grade musicians are invited to participate in a week dedicated to building a great foundation for orchestral playing. The AYPO Summer String Academy will prepare musicians for the upcoming season in the Debut Orchestra with a specific focus on music literacy, sight-reading and ensemble skills. During the Academy students will have the opportunity to play side-by-side with experienced student mentors from AYPO and work with Debut Orchestra Conductor, Laura Cahn. 

There is an opportunity for older musicians in AYPO to assist as mentors for Summer String Academy. Visit the Mentors tab under Summer String Academy for more information.

July 31 - August 4

9:00-4:00 PM
Concert on Friday, August 4th at 3:00 PM

Providence Presbyterian Church

9019 Little River Turnpike
Fairfax, VA 22031

Tuition: $475

Visit the Summer String Academy tab to find the registration form and for more details about this exciting music program! 

AYPO Students Selected for National Youth Orchestra

Congratulations to AYP musicians Danielle Kim (flute) and Alvin Chung (percussion) on their acceptances into the National Youth Orchestra of the United States!

Following a comprehensive audition process and a three-week training residency with leading professional orchestra musicians, these remarkable teenagers embark on a tour to some of the great music capitals of the world to serve as dynamic music ambassadors. In 2017, the orchestra will travel to Latin America with conductor Marin Alsop and perform a program that includes a new Carnegie Hall–commissioned work by Gabriela Lena Frank and Mahler’s Symphony No. 1. The tour kicks off with the orchestra’s annual concert at Carnegie Hall, continuing with stops in Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia. https://www.carnegiehall.org/nyousa/

AYPO BRASS BASH!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 24, 2017

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!

The members of the Brass Sections of the top three AYPO orchestras invite you to join them on Friday, March 31st at 7 p.m., for our very first Brass Bash which will leave you feeling inspired to take your playing to the next level!

We’ll start the evening at 7 p.m. with a short performance by our brass section of one of our favorite works for brass ensemble, then we’ll invite you to join us in music for brass choir. After the brass choir readings, at 8 p.m., the AYP brass staff and special guests will hold an excerpt clinic for each instrument group at which they will share all of the secrets you need to have a successful American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras audition on June 10th. From 8:30 to 9:30, all brass players are invited to perform in and observe a master class given by our staff and special guest clinicians.

The grand finale of the evening will be a full brass reading of a major orchestral work followed by conversation with current musicians and artistic staff over pizza and beverages.

Music for this brass choir and orchestral reading will be sent to you by email.

We look forward to seeing you on March 31st!

AYPO Brass members and Sylvia Alimena, Associate Conductor AYP and Director AYPO Brass Fellowship for the Orchestral Arts

2017 - 2018 Auditions!

The 2017 - 2018 Audition Season is here! 

Visit the Auditions tab to find all of the information about requirements and timeline. 

Questions? Visit our FAQ page or email auditions@aypo.org.

Meet Your Artistic Staff - Laura Kaufman

AYPO engages highly talented artistic staff with incredibly interesting backgrounds. Learn more about our Flute Ensemble Director, Laura Kaufman.

1.     What is your primary instrument and when did you start playing?

I started playing the flute when I was seven years old. Both my older brother and sister played instruments at the time, and being the youngest I naturally needed to do everything they were doing—so I insisted on playing an instrument as soon as possible! I picked the flute specifically because I remember hearing it in an orchestra concert, and thinking it was the most beautiful sound in the orchestra.

2.     What is your favorite piece of music to play/conduct?

I have so many favorite pieces of music, it is so hard to choose one! My favorite orchestral piece changes every day depending on my mood, but right now it is Symphony No. 3 by Brahms (Mvt. 3!). My favorite piece to play for solo flute is "East Wind" by Shulamit Ran. I love playing it because it has so much depth and a wide range of extreme emotions in one piece.

3.     What drew you to AYPO?

I wanted to create a flute ensemble in the area, and AYPO is a fantastic organization to collaborate with given the level of faculty and students. Even before I moved to Northern Virginia I had heard about AYPO during my undergraduate studies at the Eastman School of Music—I had a few friends that came from AYP—they absolutely loved playing in the orchestra, and would brag about how great it was!

4.     What professional jobs do you have outside of AYPO?

I am very honored to be the flutist in a wind quintet called District5. We specialize in new music and transcriptions and also presenting concerts in innovative formats; we use lighting effects, improvisation, and sometimes even choreography. Outside of playing in the quintet, I enjoy teaching privately and freelancing with local symphonies in the DC area.

5.     Did you play in a youth orchestra when you were young and if so, can you please share a bit about that experience?

I played in a youth orchestra in New Jersey called the Northern New Jersey Youth Symphony. It was a really small youth orchestra compared to AYP, but it was my first chance to play amazing orchestral repertoire—definitely one of my inspirations to become a performer.

6.     Who are your musical mentors?

My flute teacher at Eastman, Bonita Boyd, made a huge impact on my musical outlook: she helped me develop my own unique musical voice and encouraged me to go after every single opportunity available.

7.     What is some of the best advice you have received in your career?

The best advice I have ever received has been to forge my own path and to become a master of as many skills as possible. I absolutely love performing as a soloist and playing in orchestras, but I also enjoy having a lot of different aspects of my career. The projects I enjoy the most are the ones that I have created: District5 (wind quintet), creating innovative concerts, teaching in my private studio, etc. These are things that I have complete artistic control over and are the most rewarding. In today’s world, most successful musicians need to be able to do a little bit of everything in the field of music, not just play solos and orchestral music. Of course they need to be fantastic and dynamic musicians, but they also need to be innovative and masters of various styles, contemporary and baroque music, marketing, networking, recording, and so much more!

8.     What are some of your hobbies/activities outside of music?

I love to cook! I absolutely love cooking and baking; I have the most fun going through cookbooks or Pinterest searching for a new amazing recipe. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and our goldendoodle named Bear. Bear follows me around the house most of the day when I’m home, but he is just about the cutest dog in the world and will do anything for a tummy rub!

Introducing: the AYPO Flute Ensemble!

AYPO is excited to announce the formation of our newest ensemble, the Flute Ensembe. Under the direction of Laura Kaufman, the Flute Ensemble will rehearse weekly on Mondays from 5:30-6:45 and will perform twice in the spring season. Any flautist with two years of experience is invited to join.

For more information about the Flute Ensemble and how to apply, click here.

Questions? Contact us via email, auditions@aypo.org, or call 703-642-8051.

AYPO Introduces A New Harp Ensemble

AYPO is proud to introduce our new Harp Ensemble. Under the expert direction of Elizabeth Blakeslee, the harp ensemble will rehearse weekly on Mondays from 5:30-7:00 and will perform several times a year. Its repertoire will include arrangements for harp ensemble as well as original works. Any harpist who has had at least one year of private instruction and plays on an instrument with a minimum of 34 strings with a full set of levers is invited to join.

Harp Ensemble will have its first performance on December 3rrd at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 3 PM. Visit the event here.

For more information about our harp ensemble and how to apply, click here.

Music Buddies

Each year, AYPO musicians serve as mentors for young musicians who are otherwise unable to afford private lessons. Through training from Director, Laura Cahn, mentors and musicians learn together in a wonderfully productive and engaging environment.

Musicians in AYP, AYSO, and AYCO (8th grade and up) are eligible to be mentors. Please contact Isabel Carpio, icarpio@aypo.org, if you would like to be a mentor for the 2016-17 season. Visit the Music Buddies tab for more information and to apply for the 2016-17 season!

Watch this video, produced by AYPO parent Joanne Masterson to learn more.

AYPO Summer Series

We want this summer to be about you.

If you are embarking on a musical adventure, whether it be at a summer music program somewhere around the world, or staying local and teaching lessons in your neighborhood, we want to hear about it!

The ‪#‎AYPOSummerSeries‬ will feature you. If you are interested in being an ‪#‎AYPOAmbassador‬ or want to learn more, contact Isabel Carpio, at icarpio@aypo.org.

Register for the Summer String Academy!

Jump-start your AYPO experience this summer with the AYPO Summer String Academy! Rising 3-6 grade musicians are invited to participate in a week dedicated to building a great foundation for orchestral playing. The AYPO Summer String Academy will prepare musicians for the upcoming season in the Debut Orchestra with a specific focus on music literacy, sight-reading and ensemble skills. During the Academy students will have the opportunity to play side-by-side with experienced student mentors from AYPO and work with Debut Orchestra Conductor, Laura Cahn. 

There is an opportunity for older musicians in AYPO to assist as mentors for Summer String Academy. Visit the Mentors tab under Summer String Academy for more information.

August 8-12, 2016

9:00-4:00 PM

Concert on Friday, August 12th at 3:00 PM

Convergence

1801 N. Quaker Ln. 

Alexandria, VA 22302

Tuition: $475

Visit the Summer String Academy tab to find the registration form and for more details about this exciting music program! 

Meet Your Artistic Staff - Trevor Mowry

AYPO engages highly talented artistic staff with incredibly interesting backgrounds. Learn more about our winds coach, Trevor Mowry.

1.     What is your primary instrument and when did you start playing?

I started playing the oboe in the 4th grade, when I was 9 years old. I had started taking piano lessons when I was 5. 

2.     What is your favorite piece of music to play/conduct?

I don’t think I could possibly narrow the list down to less than 50 pieces or so! I will say that the upcoming performance I’m most looking forward to is my solo debut with the fantastic young artists of the American Youth Symphony Orchestra. We will be performing Mozart’s Oboe Concerto together in May. 

3.     What drew you to AYPO?

Once I started my professional career, I knew that I wanted to find a way to assist those looking to follow the same path. It didn’t take long for me to figure out that AYPO was the place to be for talented young musicians in the DC area who were serious about their art form. I was invited to lead a wind sectional as a tryout to be AYP’s Winds Coach, and ever since I have been grateful to have the opportunity to be a resource for the benefit of aspiring artists. I’m extremely proud that (through no fault of my own) in the few years I’ve been working with AYPO we have had outstanding wind players gain acceptance to the Eastman School of Music, the Juilliard School, Oberlin Conservatory, Cleveland Institute of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory, the University of Michigan, Carnegie Mellon University, and more. I believe that playing music at an advanced level is highly beneficial to any student, regardless of their career path. That is why I’m equally proud of AYPO wind players who have gone on to pursue academic studies at Brown University, Dartmouth College, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Wooster College, just to name a few. 

4.     What professional jobs do you have outside of AYPO?

Primarily, I am Co-Principal Oboe with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. I also maintain a private teaching studio, and I freelance all around the Washington, DC area. I’ve had the honor of appearing as a guest musician with the National Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, Fairfax Symphony, and many other wonderful individuals and ensembles. 

5.     Did you play in a youth orchestra when you were young and if so, can you please share a bit about that experience?

When I was in high school I spent 3 seasons as a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, and I also participated in their chamber music program and Encore Chamber Orchestra. Outside of my private lessons, my playing experiences in CYSO were perhaps the most crucial in furthering my aspirations for professional music-making. The opportunity to play chamber music and orchestral masterpieces with hugely talented peers was such a joy that Sunday afternoon rehearsals were the highlight of my week. It’s hard to accurately convey what performing Dvorak’s New World Symphony or Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration at Chicago’s Symphony Center means to an aspiring musician. It’s also difficult to put into words how meaningful it can be for a young person to find a group of peers who share such a strong passion for music. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the friendships and experiences forged in that ensemble are an enormous part of why I have a career in music, and I feel extremely privileged to help AYPO provide these gifts to the young artists of today. 

6.     Who are your musical mentors?

My greatest musical mentor without a doubt is Richard Killmer, renowned professor of oboe at the Eastman School of Music, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree. I have never met someone so joyfully fulfilled by what they do, and I don’t believe I ever will. His wisdom and artistry guide and inspire me on a daily basis. I’m also deeply indebted to my high school teacher, Deb Stevenson, for successfully helping me grow during my formative high school years. Robert Atherholt, my teacher during my one year of graduate studies at Rice University, enabled me to win my current position by deftly smoothing out the rough patches in my playing without undoing any of the progress I’d made during my undergraduate years. There must be a thousand people who are all directly responsible for the life I now enjoy, from my 4th grade band director to my outstanding colleagues in the President’s Own. I couldn’t do my job if it wasn’t for the knowledge and encouragement imparted by each and every one of them. 

7.     What is some of the best advice you have received in your career?

My Dad has always given me the best career advice. When I first started on my path to professional music making, I had many of the doubts and insecurities that plague those attempting to make a living in the arts. He was the one to tell me, “Excellence will always be in demand.” If you are the best at what you do, there will be always someone willing to pay you to do it. He also helped me see the traits that add up to success, regardless of profession-talent, passion, diligence, and opportunity. Then, when I went off to college, he gave me this nugget of wisdom, which sustained me all the way to my current post with the President’s Own: “Work harder than everyone... except the crazy people.” Looking back, the enormous boon of this advice is two-fold. Firstly, that hard work is its own reward, and your best bet if there’s something huge you want to achieve. Second, that it is possible to work too much, and that being a well rounded person is crucial to a successful and fulfilling life. 

8.     What are some of your hobbies/activities outside of music?

I love a good book, or getting sucked in by a great TV show (Homeland and Game of Thrones are recent obsessions, but The Office is probably my all-time favorite). My wife, Laura, and I enjoy going on walks, trying new restaurants, and spoiling our Goldendoodle puppy, Bear. 

2016-2017 Season Repertoire Announcement

In its 52nd season, AYPO will provide a challenging and exciting musical experience for all of the musicians in our five orchestras. Highlights from the 2016-2017 season repertoire include:

AYP

AYP’s first concert of the season will feature Beethoven’s First Symphony as well as both of Ravel’s Suites from Daphnis and Chloe. The second concert will feature an all-American program in honor of the presidential inaguration month with Fanfare by Makris, Puts Violin Concerto, and the Symphonic Dances from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story. The April concert will take two looks at the Romeo and Juliet story, with Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet" and selections from Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet. Musicians will also perform Rimsky-Korsakov’s dazzling symphonic suite Scheherazade. In June, AYP will present the DC-area premiere of Takashi Yoshimatsu’s Cyberbird, a concerto for saxophone, piano, and percussion and Berlioz’s epic Symphonie Fantastique.

AYSO

AYSO will open the season with Dvorak’s festive Carnival Overture, Khachaturian’s Adagio from Spartacus, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol. The next concert will feature Beethoven’s “Leonore” Overture No. 3 and Liszt’s Les Preludes alongside Sibelius’s stirring Scandinavian tone poem Finlandia. The final concert of the season will highlight masterworks, including Verdi’s overture to La forza del destino and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4.

AYCO

AYCO will perform both full orchestral works as well as string only pieces in the 16-17 season. Highlights from the season’s repertoire include Copland’s Saturday Night Waltz from Rodeo, Rossini’s overture to La Cenerentola, Beethoven’s Prometheus Overture, Bruch’s Kol Nidrei and excerpts from Bizet’s L’Arlésienne Suites. Additional work performed during the season will include Mozart’s Divertimento (K.136), Hovhaness’s Psalm and Fugue Op. 40a, and Gabrielli’s Canzona for Double String Orchestra.

AYSE and AYDO

AYSE and AYDO will perform three concerts exploring the theme “Bach to the Future”. The first cncert will feature arrangements for string orchestras of several popular works by Johann Sebastian Bach. The second concert of the season will be a tour of classical music from the time of J.S. Bach leading all the way to more contemporary work. Repertoire for this concert will include arrangements of pieces composed by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Bartók. The final concert of the season will feature work that looks to the future, and will include favorites from Holst’s The Planets alongside music from Star Wars, Back to the Future, and others!