AYPO 2025-2026 Auditions - Senior Division String's Deadline Extention

2025-2026 AYPO Auditions - Senior Division Strings Deadline Extension 

Dear AYPO families, musicians, applicants, teachers, and supporters,

As we approach the final concerts of the season, we wanted to take a moment to provide an important update regarding the Senior Division Strings application deadline.

Over the past few weeks, Jason Love, Artistic Director, and I have discussed the current application deadline for Senior Strings applicants, which has been a concern shared by several parents, teachers, and musicians. With the May 1st deadline fast approaching, we understand that the timing has added extra pressure on many during a busy time of year for high school musicians.

After carefully reviewing the preparation timeline with our operations team and considering the challenges many families are facing, we’ve decided to extend the Senior Strings application deadline. The new deadline will be Thursday, May 15th, 2025.* We believe this extension will address many of the concerns shared with us and provide additional time to spread the word to musicians who may still be considering applying.

Thank you all for your continued dedication and support of AYPO. We look forward to seeing you at the final concerts and appreciate your understanding as we work to make this process as smooth and accessible as possible for everyone involved.

Warmly,

Miranda Southwood
Executive Director
American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (AYPO)

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*All other applicants (Junior Division Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Piano, and Harp) are required to submit their application by the Thursday, May 1, 2025 deadline by 11:59 PM.

Announcement: Tuition Increase for 2025-2026

Announcement: Tuition Increase for 2025-2026 

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you about an important update regarding the tuition fees for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. After careful consideration and extensive discussions, the Board of Directors has approved a 20% increase in tuition fees. This decision was made to ensure the continued excellence and sustainability of our programs. 

• Tuition Increase: AYPO’s tuition fees have not kept pace with the post-pandemic inflation, and so we have no option but to raise the tuition in the coming season both to address our existing funding deficit and to cover projected losses of federal grant revenue. This adjustment will cover higher operational fees, including the costs of rehearsal and performance venues. Further, this will allow us to maintain the high quality of education, including working with our incredible artistic staff and coaches from the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, The President's Own Marine Band, and more, and experiences at the professional-level performance venues we offer to our students. We assure you that our administrative costs are the bare minimum to support the operations. 

• Financial Aid: We understand that the tuition increase may pose a challenge for some families. To support those in need, we have increased our budget for financial aid scholarships. We are committed to providing assistance to ensure that all qualified students have access to our programs and are considered regardless of their families' financial situation.  

We will be including detailed information and guidance on how to apply for financial aid in future messaging; feel free to visit https://www.aypo.org/tuition-financial-aid for our current application. Our goal is to ensure that every family is aware of the available support and how to access it. 

• Sibling Discount: New this year, we are introducing a sibling discount to help families with multiple children enrolled in our programs. We are still working out the details of this discount, and they will be communicated shortly. 

• Musician resources: Every AYPO musician will receive, as part of tuition, a professional recording of every orchestra and ensemble concert, four (4) complimentary tickets to any regular orchestra concert event, and an AYPO t-shirt, if requested. 

We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate these changes. Our commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities remains steadfast, and we are confident that these adjustments will help us continue to deliver the best possible experience for our students. 

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in advancing your AYPO musicians in the most prestigious group in the area. We look forward to sharing with you soon exciting season plans during America’s 250th celebrations! 

Announcing the Winners of the 24-25 Concerto Competition

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 24-25 AYPO Concerto Competition! In the first round, over 50 candidates from AYCO, AYSO, and AYP competed for a chance to perform live with their orchestra.

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AYCO Finalists:
Ashley Thompson, flute
Connor Kim, piano
Sarah Wang, violin
Tallulah Coogan, cello

AYCO Winner
Connor Kim, piano
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54 by Robert Schumann

AYSO Finalists
Kalan Warusa, piano
Yenna Kang, cello
Leah Sze Yuen Pang, violin
Prithvi Ram, clarinet

AYSO Winner
Leah Sze Yuen Pang, violin
Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor, Op. 61 by Camille Saint-Säens

AYP Finalists
Louis Westerman, clarinet
Jayden Lee, flute
Eileen Maloney Cunningham, violin
Sam Brose, piano

AYP Winner
Louis Westerman, clarinet
Concerto for Clarinet by Aaron Copland

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Winners will perform with their respective orchestras at their final concerts of the season.

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Congratulations to all of the competitors on wonderful performances!

AYPO Announces the Appointment of Miranda Southwood as Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

AYPO kicks off 60th season with the appointment of Miranda Southwood as Executive Director  

**September 21, 2024** – The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (AYPO) proudly announces the appointment of **Miranda Southwood** as its new Executive Director, effective September 10, 2024. This exciting news comes as AYPO celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking a momentous occasion for the organization and setting the stage for an even brighter future. 

Miranda Southwood has been a vital force within AYPO since joining in 2018, where she has shown unwavering dedication and a forward-thinking approach. During her tenure as Director of Finance & Operations, she played a pivotal role in enhancing the organization’s financial and administrative framework, while also overseeing the Senior Division Orchestras and Chamber Ensemble programs. Her contributions have improved day-to-day operations and strengthened the organization’s foundation for future growth. 

With a deep passion for music and education, Miranda’s qualifications are extensive. She holds an M.B.A. and an M.A. in Arts Administration from the University of Cincinnati, a B.M. in Violin Performance, and a B.A. in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky. Her career includes roles with the National Symphony Orchestra, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, Aspen Music Festival and School, and other prestigious arts institutions, positioning her perfectly to lead AYPO into its next chapter. 

Following her appointment as Interim Executive Director, Miranda led strategic initiatives to modernize AYPO’s technological infrastructure and expand the administrative team, all while maintaining AYPO’s reputation as Northern Virginia’s premier youth orchestra. Her leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that AYPO continues to provide an exceptional platform for young musicians to thrive. 

AYPO President retired Ambassador Allan Mustard commented, “Miranda combines two sets of qualities, devotion to music and musicianship coupled with extraordinary administrative and organizational skill. She is the perfect person to lead AYPO into the future.”  

Under Miranda’s leadership, the organization is poised to expand its programming and community outreach, reaffirming its commitment to shaping the next generation of musicians. 

With a rich history and a bright future ahead, AYPO is excited to embark on this new chapter with Miranda Southwood at the helm. 

For more information, please contact: 

Allan Mustard, Board President 
President@aypo.org | www.aypo.org  

About AYPO 
American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras provide a prestigious and transformational set of growth opportunities in classical music performance for young musicians from all backgrounds in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Seven orchestras and six ensembles change students’ lives through excellence in instruction and instilling excellence in musicianship as well as social responsibility via outreach to the community.