Programs

What programs does Alaska Youth Orchestras offer?

Alaska Youth Orchestras (AYO) offers 3 music education and performance programs to about 500 of Southcentral Alaska’s youth each year (kindergarten to college) through diverse programs and creative partnerships.

1. Anchorage Youth Symphony – Serves high school and college age youth musicians with music education and performance in a professional symphony setting and offers access to a future in professional music while building the skills that bring success in any career field they choose.
   Eligibility: age 14 or grade 9 – college
   Skill Level: Intermediate – Advanced
2. Symphony School – Offers skill-based performing ensembles and classes, preparing young musicians for future musical success in the Anchorage Youth Symphony and other community ensembles by raising their level of musical skill.
   Eligibility: Grades 4-12.
   Skill Level: Beginner – Early Intermediate
3. After School Music – A partnership with Camp Fire Alaska serving children (K-6), After School Music is a music “inspiration” program that introduces participants to classical music, encourages early music lessons, and offers free access to their first classical music concert by the Anchorage Youth Symphony. After School Music is only open to Camp Fire Alaska participants at select sites and does not include a performance opportunity.

How do I sign up for one of AYO’s programs?

1. The Anchorage Youth Symphony (AYS) holds auditions each spring for participation in fall. Applications open March 1 and close in late May. Audition excerpts and requirements are posted on our website’s Auditions Page on February 1. Should openings remain after the initial audition period, summer and early fall auditions may be accepted. Auditions for the Anchorage Youth Symphony are all submitted by video via the web portal www.GetAcceptd.com. Audition fees ($30 per audition) are nonrefundable. Visit our AUDITIONS page for more details and to apply for the Anchorage Youth Symphony.

2. The Symphony School program includes both performing ensembles and classes.
To participate in a performing ensemble, you must minimally play at an advanced beginner level (reading notes, beginning theory) and you must submit a screening application by the date listed on the Symphony School page. The screening is not an audition, it simply allows our musical staff to place you in the correct ensemble. All screened applicants are placed in performing ensembles. Capacity is the only limiting factor. Screening applications are submitted on www.GetAcceptd.com by selecting the Symphony School program. There are 2 Symphony School Ensemble sessions each season; Fall and Spring, allowing participants to join and/or change ensemble levels midseason. Visit our SYMPHONY SCHOOL page for more details and to apply for Symphony School performing ensembles. 
To participate in a class, you must register for the desired class on our Symphony School page and pay the class fee (if required). Classes range from instrument specific offerings to support for audition preparation and vary throughout the year. Visit our SYMPHONY SCHOOL page for more details and to register for Symphony School classes.

3. After School Music is a community partnership with Camp Fire Alaska and is only open to their participants at select sites. Visit the Camp Fire Alaska WEBSITE to learn more about their programs. 
 

What instruments can audition/screen for AYO programs? 

The Anchorage Youth Symphony  and Symphony School are comprised of orchestral instruments. This includes violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, and harp. Each instrument section requires a differing number of musicians. For additional information or to request the inclusion of alternate instruments, please CONTACT US.

Can I audition/screen on more than one instrument? 

Yes. You may audition or screen on as many instruments as you like, but each audition must be submitted separately, with a separate fee paid for each one.

What do I play in my video audition/screening?

Please refer to the Anchorage Youth Symphony AUDITIONS and to the Symphony School PAGE.

How do I prepare for the audition/screening?

Practice! Practice! Practice! Listening to recordings of your audition music excerpts online may also be helpful to give you a sense of the style and speed.

Do I need to hire a videographer?

No. Amateur videos are preferred. Please follow the video guidelines listed in the Audition/Screening Instructions very carefully.

When and how are we notified of audition/screening results?

All participants will be notified within approximately 2 weeks of auditioning/screening via the email listed in your audition/screening application.

Is it possible to request a late audition/screening?

Sometimes. It depends on the needs of the instrument section and the timing in our season. Please CONTACT US for more information.

Rehearsals

Where and when are rehearsals held for the various programs?

1. Anchorage Youth Symphony rehearsals are held on Mondays, 5:30-8:00 pm at THE NAVE, 3502 Spenard Rd. Anchorage, AK 99503. The season runs with the school year, beginning sometime in August and ending in May. Visit the Anchorage Youth Symphony PAGE for more information and to find a complete calendar for the current season.

2. Symphony School performing ensembles rehearse for 1 hour and 15 minutes on Sundays between 4:30 and 7:30 pm (exact times depend on your assigned ensemble) at the UAA Fine Arts Building (ARTS 124). Classes are held at varying locations in Anchorage, Alaska. Visit the Symphony School PAGE for more information and to find a complete calendar for the current session.

Are rehearsals/classes open to visitors? 

Yes. Visitors are welcome providing that they follow AYO policies and are quiet during rehearsal. Please CONTACT the AYO Office if you would like to visit with a group of more than one or two people.

What if I have after-school activities (sports, etc.) that will conflict with the some of AYO rehearsals/classes?

We recognize that our musicians’ lives are very busy. However, we have only one rehearsal each week. Participation in AYO programs is a privilege and every musician’s presence is vital. We ask our musicians to make their AYO commitment the highest priority for each scheduled rehearsal, class, or concert day.

Is there a break during Anchorage Youth Symphony and Symphony School Ensemble rehearsals?

Anchorage Youth Symphony rehearsals include a 15-minute break. A light a snack is provided. If your musician requires special dietary considerations, please plan to send something appropriate with them to rehearsal. Musicians should plan to provide their own water for rehearsal.
Symphony School Ensemble rehearsals do not include a break due to only lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Concerts

When are the AYO concerts?

We hold three Celebration Concerts at The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, as well as a couple of optional participation concerts. All performing ensembles that are in session at the time of the concert perform in the event.

2024-2025 Season 
AYO Fall Celebration Concert: 6:30 pm, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 – Atwood Concert Hall
AYO Winter Celebration Concert: 4:00 pm, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 – Discovery Theatre
AYO Spring Celebration Concert: 4:00 pm, Sunday, May 18, 2025 – Atwood Concert Hall

What is Concert Black?

Concert Black is a uniform of sorts. It is standard practice in the classical music world. AYO has a gender neutral concert black requirement. This means that musicians may choose their preferred Concert Black option regardless of their gender. Please see CONCERT BLACK REQUIREMENTS for options and complete details.

Fees

What are the participation fees for AYO programs?

Anchorage Youth Symphony
There are 2 required fees associated with Anchorage Youth Symphony enrollment.
1. The audition application fee – $35 (collected when the application is submitted).
2. The annual tuition fee – $700 (for the 2024-25 Season, collected after acceptance into the 2024-25 Anchorage Youth Symphony).
Tuition can be paid at one time or in installments to suit your financial needs. Tuition scholarships are available by application each year and are funded through dedicated scholarship funds. Scholarship applications are included in the season registration process.

The tuition amount is reviewed and set on an annual basis in the spring prior to auditions for the following season by the AYO board. Tuition covers about 30% of the annual cost incurred to seat each musician. The remaining 70% is generously funded through grants, sponsorships, and donations. AYO is fully committed to keeping musician tuition as low as possible.

Symphony School
Symphony School fees vary depending on which ensemble/class you’re registering for. Please visit the Symphony School Page for information on the fees for more information.

What does the tuition pay for?

AYO provides music education and performance in a fiscally responsible way, making every effort to keep costs as low as possible without compromising the quality of service. Each program’s tuition fee covers only 1/3 of the cost for each musician to participate. The remaining 2/3rds of the cost is supplemented by grants (both government and foundation) and generous donors, along with the support of corporate and small business sponsorships. With this funding, AYO provides opportunities to learn and perform under an accomplished music director and are coached by some of the most well-respected professional musicians in Alaska. AYO also provides performance opportunities at Anchorage’s world-class Center for the Performing Arts where AYO is a resident company and at other venues throughout Anchorage.

Are tuition scholarships available?

Yes. We work to ensure as many youth musicians can participate with us as possible, regardless of their ability to pay. Each season approximately 15 musicians are awarded some level of need-based scholarship. Scholarship eligibility is determined on financial need according guidelines set forth by the AYO Board of Directors which are available upon request. Application for an AYO Scholarship is completed during the registration process once a musician has been accepted into the program they’ve applied for. To request a copy of AYO’s Financial Assistance Guidelines, email ED@AlaskaYouthOrchestras.org.

Can I donate to a tuition scholarship fund?

Yes. AYO has two scholarship funds which you can support. Donations to the Linn Weeda Scholarship Fund are used only to support qualified musicians who demonstrate a financial need. The Off-Beat Percussion Fund supports the scholarship needs of percussion musicians exclusively. Scholarship fund donations can be made on our DONATE page.

Miscellaneous

What is Alaska Youth Orchestras non-profit status?

Alaska Youth Orchestras is a registered 501c(3) non-profit, private organization, tax ID# 92-0082750, that is governed by a volunteer board of directors in keeping with state and federal laws.

How is Alaska Youth Orchestras run? 

Alaska Youth Orchestras employs a full-time executive director who is the chief executive of the organization, overseen by the board of directors. The executive director manages the business and programs of the organization, works to increase and improve the opportunities available to our musicians, represents and promotes the organization in the community, coordinates and oversees staff and contractors, negotiates contracts on the organization’s behalf, and oversees grant applications and donor relations. The executive director oversees all additional staff and contractors including the operations coordinator, librarian, coaches, and more.
Alaska Youth Orchestras also employs a music director who is responsible for the artistic direction of the organization, overseen by the board of directors. The music director manages all artistic functions of the organization, works to create a successful performance and educational environment, oversees the artistic portion of all staff and contractor roles, and represents and promotes the organization in the community.
Alaska Youth Orchestras also contracts with approximately 20 professional musicians and educators to fulfill our musician. We maintain an office at 1505 W 32nd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503. Phone: (907) 538-6406

Can I join the Board of Directors?

The AYO Board accepts applications for board service on a regular basis. Please send us an email indicating your interest in board service, including  a brief resume, past board experience, special skill-sets you have to offer, and a written explanation on why you would like to serve.

Can students or parents suggest repertoire?

Yes, our music director is always open to suggestions for repertoire. Please keep in mind that repertoire planning is generally done a year in advance. This means that suggestions you make will likely be reviewed for the following season. If you have any questions regarding the AYO repertoire please email our Music Director

Can I volunteer for AYO programs?

Yes. Every program needs volunteers. Email our Executive Director  for more information about specific volunteer opportunities.