Announcing the American Youth Prelude Violins!

AYPO is proud to announce the development of our newest ensemble for young violinists! The American Youth Prelude Violins* will meet for the first time on September 18th.

This newest ensemble will aim to provide a continued focus on reading and ensemble skills and will also provide showcase performances for young, elementary school-age violinists. The creation of this ensemble will allow for smaller performance ensemble sizes and a shorter rehearsal time. These factors will help to create a more intimate learning experience for all, as younger musicians benefit from a shorter rehearsal and specialized teaching. This ensemble aims to provide support for violinists specifically in grade 4 or younger. 

The American Youth Prelude Violins will also be taught by Kristin Gomez, the director of the American Youth Prelude Strings program, and the ensemble will rehearse from 5:00-5:50PM on Mondays. Come see AYPV in action at their first Showcase in January 2024.

*2023-2024 season program only

Statement of Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (EDIA)

The events of 2020, in particular George Floyd’s death and the ensuing calls for racial justice, brought forth in a striking manner the systemic inequities that communities of color have suffered. As an arts education organization, the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras have a special obligation to support anti-racism and embrace greater diversity, social equity, and inclusion within the AYPO community. Music, our art form, is the quintessential medium for fostering cooperation, collaboration, and understanding among all peoples; our students depend on us to show them how their talent may contribute to a more just and hopeful world. 

Recent articles have highlighted the very low representation of Black, Indigenous, and people of color in the orchestral profession. As a youth orchestra, we are an important entry point for future performers, conductors, and composers. We strive to attract musically inclined and talented students regardless of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, culture, religious belief, or physical and cognitive ability. We will provide our students with excellent musical instruction and help train the next, more diverse, generation of musical talent. We are committed to ensuring our internal culture, operational practices, and repertoire are conducive to greater representation of students and staff of Black, Indigenous, or people of color. We are also committed to including musical examples from composers of equally diverse backgrounds.   

In previous years, the AYPO has tried to alleviate unequal access to music instruction by providing education outreach and mentorship. These efforts have also included providing as much financial aid as possible, and we are working to increase that support from current and new sources of funding. 

We will also go further in several areas to increase the impact of our programs:  

• Improve outreach to schools and communities to raise awareness of orchestral music and playing opportunities among underrepresented students 

• Improve access to our programs for underserved and underrepresented students  

• Improve our programs to include more women composers and composers from underrepresented groups, cultures, and global regions 

• Ensure our hiring practices actively facilitate recruitment of qualified candidates from underrepresented groups into our staff 

We are at an important juncture in our nation’s history and the AYPO sees this as an opportunity for all to learn, improve, and contribute. We are privileged to be able to teach your students and expand the musical horizons for many, in as many ways as possible.   

Approved by Executive Committee of the Board of Directors 

February 9, 2021 

Harp Ensemble Presents Virtual Performance Videos

The AYPO Harp Ensemble was hard at work throughout the last few months of our 2019-2020 season. Each member of the ensemble was responsible for performing their own part for some final virtual performance pieces, since the ensemble was unable to perform their final concert on the season on May 9, 2020. Check out their virtual performances of Beauty and the Beast as well as original AYPO Harp Ensemble variations on Pagageno’s Theme from Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Each member of the Harp Ensemble wrote their own variation of the theme for the Papageno Variation compilation!

AYPO Chamber Ensemble Presents Digital Project 2020

Throughout the current COVID-19 crisis, AYPO has continued to provide exceptional music education opportunities for our musicians. In late March, after the Virginia stay-at-home order was set in place, the AYPO Chamber Ensemble Program began adapting their current musical work to a digital platform. Each of the four Chamber Ensemble groups were to meet weekly with the AYPO Chamber Ensemble Directors, Claire Eichhorn, Ricardo Cyncynates, and Anna Balakerskaia for coaching sessions via Zoom. The students were also given benchmarks for each week in order to make progress on their end goal. Challenges included learning how to use the existing technology, intonation, playing musically and together, as well as handling the dramatic psychological challenges we all face during this difficult time.

AYPO happily presents the Chamber Ensemble Digital Project 2020. A culmination of a season’s hard work and a virtual adaptation of our annual final Chamber Ensemble Recital. Enjoy!

Beethoven Quintet for Piano and Winds, Op. 16
Mathuin Smith, oboe; Mira Kim, clarinet; Claire Wang, piano; Layne Parks, French horn; Gracie Moore, bassoon

Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115
Ethan Morad, clarinet; David Kirchenbauer, violin; Malva de Boor, violin; Justin Yi, viola; Romain-Olivier Gray, cello

Brahms Clarinet Trio in A minor, Op. 114
Noah Portner, clarinet; Olivia Bond, cello; Daniel Lee, piano

Debussy Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp
John Czekanski, viola; Helen Freeman, flute; Arwen Chandler, harp

Listen: Alumnus Brian Hong (violin) performs with AYP (January 2020)

Check out recordings from our January AYP concert with AYPO Alumnus, Brian Hong! He performed Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, Op. 47 with the American Youth Philharmonic as a guest soloist, followed by an expressive encore performance of Variations on Amazing Grace (arranged by Ning Kam).

A snippet from our interview with Brian:

Q: What is your favorite thing about performing Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, Op. 47?

A: Jean Sibelius treats the violin and orchestra differently than any other composer to my ears. Both the solo and orchestral lines intertwine and emerge from one another as a single, organic musical mass that glows with a beautifully expansive Nordic tonal palette. This piece is an exhausting emotional journey, from the frosty and angsty first movement, to the deep love poem of the second, and the triumphant, galloping heroism of the third.

AYPO Flute Ensemble E-Performs Somewhere Over the Rainbow

The AYPO Flute Ensemble, led by Dr. Laura Kaufman Mowry, has been working hard rehearsing their music while simultaneously practicing social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak. The musicians from the Flute Ensemble have all worked separately on their parts preparing an e-performance of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Enjoy and stay healthy!

AYPO Update on Season Events

Dear AYPO Staff, Parents and Students,

I am sure that you have all been watching the announcement from the Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, stating that all schools will remain closed until the end of the academic year. Needless to say, this is news we were hoping never to hear! I want to give you a positive message from AYPO.

All sorts of programs are being severely impacted by the current crisis, and we are no exception as now all AYPO rehearsals and performances are cancelled for the remainder of the season. As you know, the Artistic Staff is putting its creative minds to finding effective ways to maintain the momentum of our activity for the students. I urge every student and parent to take full advantage of what is offered. Online learning is now the message we all carry, and I am delighted by the creativity of our staff in finding ways to stay in contact with their ensembles and orchestras. Of course it is not the same as having in-person weekly contact, but we will all learn valuable lessons from this enforced experience. Our greatest asset is our extraordinarily gifted and committed staff, and our gifted students and engaged parents. Together we will weather this and bounce back in September. 

New details are being refined for video auditions for next season. We are also aiming to assist any who would like guidance in preparing their audition (and those who may be temporarily unable to work with their private teacher). When we have the full details worked out over the next few days, we will let you know.

Meanwhile, I encourage those of you already in the program to send in your application for audition as soon as possible. Our numbers have been climbing each year, so the sooner we receive your application, the sooner we can get ahead with planning the adjudication of the entries. 

There have been some outstanding successes this season, and more were in the pipeline, but they will be carried forward to next season. Make sure that you are with us to benefit!

Please be in touch with me, or my colleagues to answer any questions or concerns you might have. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Graham Elliott 
Executive Director

AYPO Chamber Ensemble Program Returns to the State Department

We congratulate members of our award-winning Chamber Ensemble program for another successful performance at the U.S. State Department on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. This was their second appearance there this season. Dr Sonya Kim, the concert organizer at the State Department, wrote :

“The Ensembles of the AYPO gave terrific performances today at the  State Department. The audience was very pleased to hear highly talented and achieved young musicians. They learned how diligently the young musicians practiced for this level of performance. We thank the orchestra leadership as well.”

She went on to offer a standing invitation for groups to play for them. 

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REGARDING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Friday, March 13, 2020
ANNANDALE, VA

To all members of the AYPO community:

Two days ago, I sent out a message to all involved in AYPO to explain the situation as it then existed, and our constant monitoring of the coronavirus situation. The announcements that Loudoun County Public Schools are closing for more than a week and that Fairfax County has cancelled community use events through April 12th impacts what AYPO is doing.

In the previous message, I stated "Since we draw students from neighboring counties, we feel that any school system closure in the following should trigger the decision to suspend activity for however long the advisory lasts: Loudoun County Public Schools, Arlington Public Schools, Alexandria City Public Schools, and Fairfax County Public Schools.” The closure of Loudoun Public schools, and the restriction on access to FCPS, therefore triggers our own decision to suspend activity.

After consultation with the AYPO conductors, we have decided to cancel all activity up to, and including, spring break. All normal activities, will recommence on Monday, 13th April. 

There will be some inevitable impact on planned performances, but we will work to mitigate that impact. To maintain momentum the conductors and ensemble directors will maintain, through the office, contact with their students. They will find creative ways to keep students engaged and active in order to have the minimum impact on their learning and performance development. The AYPO office staff will continue to work as usual. 

The following AYPO activities and events are now cancelled:

• Music Buddies sessions on 3/13, 3/27, 4/3

• Monday rehearsals on 3/16, 3/23, 3/30

• VA Harp Festival rehearsal & performance on March 20th

• AYP Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, March 21st

• AYP Concert on Sunday, March 22nd [we will seek to find a viable alternative date for this program]

• AYPO Community Outreach Performance @ Lincolnia, March 25th

• AYPO Community Outreach Performance @ Brightview, March 28th

• AYPO Chamber Ensemble Masterclass, March 29th

• AYP Side-by-side rehearsal with NSO on Monday, March 30th

Dr. Graham Elliott
Executive Director

Alumnus, Brian Hong, talks AYPO and Sibelius

AYPO Alumnus, Brian Hong, will perform Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, Op. 47 with the American Youth Philharmonic as a guest soloist on Sunday, January 19th. In celebration of this performance, Brian reminisced on his time at AYPO, provided some insights into his career as a musician, and gave advice for aspiring musicians today.

Which AYPO ensembles did you play in and how long?

I started in the String Ensemble in 2004 at the age of 11, continuing on in the Symphonic Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra, and was fortunate to have the opportunity to lead the latter two ensembles.  I fondly remember my years in AYP under the direction of Luis Haza and then Daniel Spalding.

What musicians inspire you and why?

The musicians who inspire me the most embody musical versatility and sensitivity alongside warmth and kindness.  It is my belief that one must have the ability to adapt in the moment and to mold their playing to their situation, and to do so with openness and humility.  I have lately been seeking inspiration from wonderful violinists such as Isabelle Faust, Christian Tetzlaff, and Vilde Frang, violists such as Tabea Zimmermann and Kim Kashkashian, and cellists such as Nicolas Altstaedt, Steven Isserlis, and Jean-Guihen Qeuyras.

What is your favorite thing about performing Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, Op. 47?

Jean Sibelius treats the violin and orchestra differently than any other composer to my ears. Both the solo and orchestral lines intertwine and emerge from one another as a single, organic musical mass that glows with a beautifully expansive Nordic tonal palette. This piece is an exhausting emotional journey, from the frosty and angsty first movement, to the deep love poem of the second, and the triumphant, galloping heroism of the third.

What is your favorite memory of being in AYPO? 

I recently listened to a recording of Sibelius' First Symphony and was reminded of my experience playing it in AYSO.  This was the first symphonic work that I fell deeply in love with from a performance perspective, and I still remember that moment in rehearsal when I realized that the orchestra is truly greater than the sum of its parts, and how it is capable of producing magic when everyone works together.  

Do you have any advice for young musicians interested in pursuing a career in music? 

I would encourage any young musician to indulge and develop their curiosity.  The world of music is a profoundly deep one, and our connections with composers, pieces, teachers, and colleagues must all be developed and nurtured.  Ask questions, study scores, and read and perform lots and lots of chamber music!  Only then do we truly discover what it is that we each love about music, and that is the source of our continued inspiration and growth.

Come hear Brian Hong perform Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, Op. 47 on Sunday, January 19th at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts at 3pm.

Chamber Ensemble Wins 1st Place at YMIC

We are thrilled to announce three of our musicians participating in the Chamber Ensemble Program have won first place in the “Other Chamber” Category at the 2019 YMIC (Young Musicians Inspiring Change) Metropolitan Music Festival. Olivia Bond (cello), Daniel Lee (piano), and Noah Portner (clarinet) performed the Brahms Clarinet Trio in A minor, Op. 114. Congratulations, Olivia, Daniel, and Noah!

Congratulations 2018-2019 Seniors!

Congratulations AYPO Seniors
Class of 2019

Aislin Carpenter
Alan Jiang
Alex Haldane
Alexis Watkinson
Alfonso Sánchez
Amanda Welch
Andrew Gantzer
Austin Amacher
Caitlyn Clingenpeel
Catherine Hiu
Catherine George
Christopher Deng
Christopher Bi
Clayton Bostick
Crystal Zhou
Diego Jaques
Diego Stine
Eric Hegemann
Erik Wartenberg
Estella Mota Pinto
Felix Curtis
Forrest Johnston
Gabriel Yu
Geoffrey Kulp
Graham Lovely
Harin Ok
Huay Din
Ila Sharma
Irene Kim
Irene Paek
Isabelle Lesmana
Jacqueline Hritzo
Jake Fitzgerald
Jason Smith
Jasper de Boor
Jenna Bachmann
Jessica Kwon
Jisoo Park
Joanna Rider
John Park
Katie Curry
Liam McGrail
Libby Stewart
Lilli Mathews
Lourdes de la Peña
Madeline Yu
Madelyn Kline
Matthew Kirschner
Michelle Li
Nathaniel Coughlin
Patrick Lee
Raymond Schleien
Rebecca Whitten
Ryan Lee
Ryan Chon
Samuel Koch
Sonia Warrior
Stephanie Manning
Victoria Bliss
William Kim
Yevgeny Dodzin
Yingyin Chen

Next year, our seniors will attend….

Boston Conservatory
Boston University
Florida State University
George Mason University
Indiana University at Bloomington
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University - Peabody Conservatory
Liberty University
Mercer University
Oberlin Conservatory
Princeton University
The Colburn School
The College of William and Mary
The Juilliard School
The Ohio State University School of Music
University of Illinois
University of Maryland College Park
University of North Texas - School of Music
University of Rochester
University of Virginia
Utah State University
Virginia Tech
Yale University

AYPO Receives "Good Neighbor Grant" from The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation recently announced the award of a $25,000 Good Neighbor grant to The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (AYPO), to support its 2019-2020 Tuition assistance Program. This grant will increase the funding available to support the membership of children to the AYPO programs for those who might otherwise, for financial reasons, be unable to take up places in the five orchestras and six instrumental ensembles offered by AYPO.

This award builds on the recognition which AYPO received for its 54 years of service to the community by ARTSFAIRFAX when it made AYPO recipient of its 2018 Arts Education Award. This prestigious organization enjoys wide national recognition for the consistently high standards of public performances achieved by the orchestras and ensembles, and the important, and often life-changing training given by a highly skilled artistic staff.

AYPO alumni are to be found in some of the leading national professional orchestras, as well as public school and private teachers in the region.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded $190 million in scholarships to nearly 2,500 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive counseling and other support services. The Foundation has also provided over $100 million in grants to organizations that serve such students. www.jkcf.org

[Contact Dr Graham Elliott for further information.gelliott@aypo.org. Tel 703-642-8053]

AYPO Musician Accepted into Selective Summer Chamber Music Program

ANNANDALE, VA - American Youth String Ensemble and AYPO Junior Chamber Ensemble musician, Enzo Baldanza, has been accepted into the Chamber Music Intensive Program with the Philadelphia International Music Festival. The most selective of PIMF’s Summer Programs, the Chamber Ensemble Intensive Program presents only 12 outstanding musicians, ages 13-19, with the opportunity to receive mentorship and training from members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Throughout the program, these young musicians will participate in masterclasses, receive private lessons from members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, partake in solo performance opportunities, and more. The Chamber Music Summer Intensive focuses on not only fostering these young performers’ technique and musicianship, but also helps to build their character through performances in hospitals, libraries, and other public venues throughout the community of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

For his audition, Enzo Baldanza performed the Mozart Violin Concerto # 3; I. Allegro, Bach Partita for Violin No. 2 in D minor; I. Allemanda, and sent a video of a vocal performance of the National Anthem at a basketball game in the Carrier Dome at Syracuse University.

Congratulations, Enzo!

AYPO Musicians Perform on Millennium Stage

ANNANDALE, VA - On Wednesday, January 23rd and Thursday, January 24th, select AYPO Musicians participating in The Kennedy Center’s National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship Program performed an evening of chamber music on Millennium Stage. The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Youth Fellowship program provides musical training to young students interested in pursuing a career in music. Following a successful audition process, NSO Youth Fellows train with members of the National Symphony Orchestra or the Washington National Opera Orchestra, participate in coaching, rehearsals, and masterclasses with NSO musicians, and observe rehearsals and concerts.

Musicians from AYPO’s Philharmonic and Symphonic Orchestras participating in the NSO Youth Fellows’ performances last week include: Yingyin Chen (AYSO), Caitlyn Clingenpeel (AYP), Matthew Cummings (AYP), Lourdes de la Peña (AYP), Benjamin D’Haiti (AYSO), Andrew Gantzer (AYP), Romain-Olivier Gray (AYP), Jacqueline Hritzo (AYP), Michelle Li (AYP), Graham Lovely (AYP), George Pekarsky (AYP), and Raymond Schleien (AYP).

Check out the videos on The Kennedy Center’s NSO Youth Fellows site:
NSO Youth Fellows - 1/23/19
NSO Youth Fellows - 1/24/19

ARTSFAIRFAX Arts Education Award

ANNANDALE, VA - The long AYPO history of offering excellence in training young musicians was recently marked by the award of the ARTSFAIRFAX Music Education Award. The introduction to this award states 'The Arts Education Award recognizes an arts organization, or individual arts educator, that has provided superlative arts education opportunities, experiences, or training for youth, students of all ages, or emerging artists.’ The citation for AYPO states 'The 2018 Arts Education Award was presented to the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras for its commitment to under-served students, its dedication to first-class training, and its philosophy that music extends to success in the classroom and beyond.’

Recently, the Fairfax County Times featured two articles on AYPO’s recent successes in Arts Education. AYPO Executive Director, Dr. Graham Elliott and Board President Karen Leyva call for a stronger musical community and a new performing arts center in Northern Virginia in this article. Dr. Graham Elliott and Karen Leyva were also featured alongside Wolf Trap Foundation and Claude Moore Charitable Foundation representatives, in an article highlighting the future of the arts in Fairfax County.