AYO percussion section setup at a rehearsal in Atwood Concert HallLeading from the Back: AYO Percussion Spotlight It can be easy to underestimate the role of an orchestral percussionist. They tend to be furthest from the conductor, perched at the back or along the periphery of the ensemble. Percussion parts might include more rest measures than notes. Depending on the piece, musicians may count hundreds of measures before delivering a cymbal crash, snare drum roll, or piercing run on glockenspiel. Some orchestrations, especially those written before the 20th century,…

Following an intensive search process which included over 50 applicants from across the United States and abroad, Alaska Youth Orchestras (AYO) is pleased to announce the hiring of David Platt as AYO Music Director, effective June 1, 2026. Platt brings a multifaceted background to AYO. An experienced violinist and music educator, Platt holds advanced degrees from Butler University and the Cleveland Institute of Music, and will soon earn a Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. He recently concluded a three-year Conducting Fellowship with the…