The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras

The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras were founded by the Fairfax (Virginia) Symphony in 1964 and became independent in 1978. The program is funded primarily by tuition; by concert admissions; through gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations; and by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Fairfax County in cooperation with the Arts Council of Fairfax County.Open to promising musicians up to twenty-one years of age, the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra’s four orchestras – two training orchestras and two symphonic orchestras – offer an opportunity for intense orchestral training, development, and performance under outstanding conductors and coaches.Each orchestra rehearses on Monday evenings from September through May, and prepares at least three programs of repertoire for performance. The American Youth Philharmonic prepares additional and more intense programs for major public concerts and tours.

The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras were founded by the Fairfax (Virginia) Symphony in 1964 and became independent in 1978. The program is funded primarily by tuition; by concert admissions; through gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations; and by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Fairfax County in cooperation with the Arts Council of Fairfax County.Open to promising musicians up to twenty-one years of age, the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra’s four orchestras – two training orchestras and two symphonic orchestras – offer an opportunity for intense orchestral training, development, and performance under outstanding conductors and coaches.Each orchestra rehearses on Monday evenings from September through May, and prepares at least three programs of repertoire for performance. The American Youth Philharmonic prepares additional and more intense programs for major public concerts and tours. AYP Orchestras offer members additional opportunities to enhance their orchestral education, such as trip to performances of the National Symphony Orchestra, and opportunities to participate in small chamber ensembles.

The Waterfront Quartet is part of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras’ Chamber Ensemble Program. The ensemble is comprised of musicians from the flagship orchestra, the American Youth Philharmonic: Jessica Lyons, violin; Katelyn Lions, violin; Michael Sinni, viola; and Julia Henderson, cello. The Waterfront Quartet has enjoyed previous performances on Millennium Stage, for American Youth Philharmonic donor receptions, as a pre-concert opener for the COSMIC Symphony, and for a Microsoft Corporate party. The quartet also enjoys sharing their music with senior citizen groups and at the Children’s Inn at NIH. They have performed for master classes at the Kreeger Museum coached by the St. Lawrence Quartet and the Faure Quartet. The Waterfront Quartet is coached by the National Symphony Orchestra’s Tsuna Sakamoto and Holly Hamilton.

The Forrest Quintet is part of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras’ Chamber Ensemble Program and was formed in 2008. The ensemble is comprised of section leaders from the flagship orchestra, the American Youth Philharmonic: Andy Eshbach, oboe; Niles Watson, flute; Weily Shay, clarinet; Jacqui Symon, bassoon; and Millie Clarke, french horn. In addition to weekly rehearsals, the quintet receives a monthly coaching session from Aaron Goldman, Assistant Principal flute of the National Symphony Orchestra. The Forrest Quintet performs in the community throughout the concert season including the notable “Frostival” hosted by Celebrate Fairfax! and a donor reception for the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras’ board members, alumni, and staff. Repertoire studied by the quintet includes: Scherzo by Mendelssohn, Quintette by Taffanel, Blaserquintette by Rieger, Ragtime Dance by Scott Joplin and Kammermusik by Hindemith.

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3/14/10: Target Family Night: American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra Chamber Ensemble

The group has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress, the Harman Center for the Arts, and many other locations.

Target Family Night: American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra Chamber Ensemble

The group has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress, the Harman Center for the Arts, and many other locations.

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2/22/02: The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras

The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras are the perfect showcase for the vibrant and talented young classical musicians in our area.

The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras

The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras are the perfect showcase for the vibrant and talented young classical musicians in our area.

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The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras

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