American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras

Promising musicians who participate in our most advanced youth orchestras are invited to join our Chamber Ensemble Program. Each year, AYPO forms four to eight chamber ensembles – a mix of strings, woodwinds, brass and harp, with some ensembles including a pianist. The Ensemble da Camera of Washington, an acclaimed clarinet, piano, and violin/viola trio, serves as our artists-in-residence, coaching each student ensemble throughout the year; leading free, public master classes in which the AYPO chamber ensembles perform and receive critiques; and presenting public concerts.

Our Junior Chamber Ensemble Program, led by National Symphony Orchestra violist Tsuna Sakamoto and NSO cellist Loewi Lin, extends the benefits of studying chamber music to students from AYPO's entry-level orchestras. Students from both programs present free community outreach concerts and recitals. In 2016, members of our Chamber Ensemble Program performed at a White House State Dinner.

Through the Music Buddies Mentorship Program, advanced AYPO musicians (the mentors) provide economically disadvantaged elementary and middle school students (the mentees) in Alexandria City Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools with more than 1,000 free music lessons each school year. Weekly private lessons are offered on-site at mentees’ schools and other central locations.

Mentees receive fundamental training, including developing or improving technique on their instrument, learning scales, acquiring knowledge of basic music theory, and understanding how to sight read. Under the tutelage of their mentors, mentees learn solo works by Bach, Handel, Schumann, Telemann, Vivaldi and other masters, and perform in a culminating recital. All mentees receive the necessary musical equipment, along with complimentary tickets to AYPO’s full season of concerts.

Mentees are encouraged to audition for AYPO's youth orchestras, and tuition assistance is provided for qualified families.

AYPO offers instrumental ensembles for clarinet, flute, harp and percussion. As part of our commitment to expanding access to more participants, AYPO's clarinet, flute and harp ensembles are open to all youth, not just AYPO members. Students learn from outstanding professional musicians and perform community outreach concerts for underserved residents.