DC Charity Spotlight: American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras

WISH LIST $100: 1 music coaching session; $500: 1 student scholarship for a full year; $2500: rehearsal space for 2 youth orchestras for a full year

Recognized as one of the nation’s leading youth orchestra organizations, the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras provides orchestral training and performance experience to more than 400 of the most talented young musicians ages 7 to 21 from northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland Students are selected in a competitive audition process and scholarships ensure that each accepted student can join, regardless of ability to pay. Students attend 36 rehearsals, 17 dress rehearsals, 31 chamber ensemble coachings, 9 concerts, and 2 recitals: 175 hours of training. In addition, the Music Buddies Mentorship Program enables AYPO’s talented high schoolers to provide weekly private music lessons to underserved middle school students, and the Community Outreach Concert Series brings the orchestras into public schools, community centers, and nursing homes. This is one committed group of kids, determined to make music and bring it to others. “Simply outstanding,” gushes the Washington Post; “a remarkable youth orchestra,” The Journal declares. Shouldn’t every community have a youth orchestra? You can make it happen – for everyone who wants to play.

Tomoko Azuma,

Executive Director 4026 Hummer Road Annandale, VA 22003 703-642-8051 ext 25 www.ayporchestras.org