What We Do

Open to promising musicians (up to 21 years of age), the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras’ four ensembles — two training orchestras and two symphonic orchestras — offer an opportunity for intense orchestral training, development, and performance under outstanding conductors and coaches. Through the orchestras, young people with a common interest, commitment, and discipline work together to achieve harmony and excellence. In concert, these young musicians share their remarkable achievement and appreciation for classical music with the community.

Each of the orchestras rehearse on Monday evenings from September through May, and prepare at least three programs of repertoire for performance. The American Youth Philharmonic® prepares additional and more intense programs for major public concerts and tours. AYPO offers members additional opportunities to enhance their orchestral education, such as trips to hear performances of the National Symphony Orchestra and opportunities to participate in small chamber ensembles.

American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (formerly the Northern Virginia Youth Symphony Association) was founded by the Fairfax Symphony (Virginia) 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.

AYPO accepts applicants based on their musical ability without regard to gender, race, religion, disability, or national origin.

American Youth Philharmonic
American Youth Symphonic Orchestra
American Youth Concert Orchestra
American Youth String Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Chamber Ensemble Program
Music Buddies Mentorship Program