Alaska Youth Orchestras (AYO) is excited to announce that we have been awarded a $24,905 Tier 1 Grant from The Rasmuson Foundation to fund necessary equipment purchases including percussion instruments and music stands. With this equipment AYO will be fully settled in its new rehearsal home at The Nave, a property of Cook Inlet Housing Authority. Being a fully functional performing ensemble in this space, allows AYO to advance its vision of building a community where music education and performance are valued and shared.

“This is an exciting time for AYO! Our musicians have great energy coming out of the pandemic and this grant allows us to maximize on this momentum as we build the best possible music education and performance program,” says AYO Music Director Bruce Wood, Ph.D.

AYO Executive Director Denise Brown-Chythlook adds, “There’s no doubt that the past two years have been challenging, but AYO’s board, staff, and musicians have worked tirelessly to continue making music and positive change throughout the pandemic. We are better equipped now than ever before in our 57-year history to meet the needs of our community.”

Alaska Youth Orchestras is the home of the Anchorage Youth Symphony, Symphony School, and Virtual Symphony. These in-person and virtual programs create opportunities for youth musicians in Southcentral Alaska and throughout our great state to improve their musicianship and build confidence through teamwork, applying the principals of success in a fun and professional setting.