Chamber Ensemble Program

The Chamber Ensemble Program gives members of AYPO the opportunity to enhance their musical development by giving them the chance to study and perform chamber ensemble music under the guidance of professional instructors. AYPO nurtures its chamber musicians by providing music and monthly coaching sessions with professional musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra, military bands, and other venerated music groups. Sharyn Byer, a freelance flutist and coach for an American Youth Philharmonic woodwind quintet, said “they are all great young people and seem to really enjoy the ensemble experience. It is a pleasure to work with them!”

Each ensemble performs at least once for the community during the school year and participates in AYPO’s Chamber Ensemble Recital held at the end of the season. AYPO chamber ensembles have performed at the Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress, the Greater Reston Arts Center, the Harmon Center for the Arts, local senior centers, on Capitol Hill, and many other locations.

AYPO provides a first-class orchestral experience for young musicians in the Washington area, and our Chamber Ensemble Program enhances their musicianship even more. Playing in small groups builds teamwork, listening skills, and a better understanding of how instruments work together. When the Capital Area String Quartet of the American Youth Philharmonic participated in a master class in 2008, violinist Ryan Gurtz “enjoyed the experience tremendously and learned some great things, such as musicality and playing with emotion”.

Watch examples of the high quality of the Chamber Ensemble Program: Milennium Stage and the "Concerts by Young People" 50th Anniversary (AYP Emerald Quartet at 43:00) at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

AYPO Musicians: apply online for the 2012 Chamber Ensemble Program! Deadline to apply: December 21, 2011.