Anchorage Youth Symphony facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alaska Youth Orchestras
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| Also known as | AYS; Anchorage Youth Symphony |
| Origin | Anchorage, Alaska, United States |
| Genres | Classical Popular music Soundtrack New-age Film score World music Musical theatre |
| Occupation(s) | Symphony orchestra |
| Years active | 1965–present |
| Associated acts | Anchorage Junior Youth Symphony Fairbanks Youth Orchestras John Williams Michael Giacchino John Kavanaugh |
| Members | Principal conductor: Linn Weeda Anchorage Youth Philharmonic conductor: Tevya Robbins |
The Alaska Youth Orchestras (AYO) is a cool group of young musicians in Alaska. It used to be called the Anchorage Youth Symphony (AYS). It started way back in 1965 with just one orchestra in Anchorage, Alaska. In 2011, so many kids wanted to join that they split into two groups: the Anchorage Youth Philharmonic and the Anchorage Youth Symphony. That's why they changed their name to Alaska Youth Orchestras!
AYO helps young musicians get great experience playing in an orchestra. They improve their skills through rehearsals, concerts, special lessons, and even tours. They also get involved in their community. When they are not traveling, AYO performs at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
Contents
Amazing Performances and Tours
The Alaska Youth Orchestras have performed in many exciting places. They even went on a tour to Australia in 2009! Some of their performances from that tour are available online.
- They played music by Kabalevsky, Poulenc, and Beethoven's 9th Symphony. This big concert happened at the famous Sydney Opera House on July 12, 2009. A large choir joined them for some of the pieces.
- They also performed music by Rimsky-Korsakov at Angel Place in Sydney, Australia.
- Another performance at Angel Place included music by Hanson.
In February 2008, the AYS performed a new piece called The Thoughtful Bird by Kathleen Bielawski. It was the first time an orchestra played this music. In December 2008, AYS also performed "Sinfonietta" by composer Philip Munger. This piece was a tribute to maestro Gordon Wright.
The Story of AYO
How the Orchestra Started
The idea for the youth orchestra began in 1963. The Anchorage School District hired Frank Pinkerton, a talented musician and conductor. He had experience leading high school orchestras. Pinkerton also conducted the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. He even included some high school students in that orchestra.
In September 1963, Pinkerton shared a plan to create a "symphonic orchestra" for high school students. He worked hard to make this happen. On May 17, 1965, the All-School String Orchestra held its first yearly concert. This was the beginning! In 1966, they added wind and percussion instruments. The group then became the Anchorage Youth Symphony. Pinkerton worked closely with the school district's music programs. Under his leadership, the AYS performed all over Alaska. Its reputation grew steadily.
New Leaders and Exciting Tours
Dewey Ehling took over from Frank Pinkerton as the music director in 1967. He led both the Anchorage School District's music program and the youth symphony. In 1981, the Anchorage Youth Symphony Association became a non-profit group. Ehling helped the orchestra travel even more. They toured nationally and internationally. They visited places like Washington state, California, Washington D.C., Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. He retired in 1986.
Linn Weeda, who had been a student in the Youth Symphony, led the orchestra in 1986 and 1987. During his time, the orchestra toured and performed in New York City at Lincoln Center.
In 1988, John Duff from Fairbanks became the conductor. The orchestra toured Scotland while he was leading them. Russell Guyver, a music professor at University of Alaska Anchorage, took over in 1991. Guyver started special retreats for the musicians. These retreats helped members get to know each other better. He also organized concerts in the Matanuska Valley.
Linn Weeda's Long Leadership
Linn Weeda returned as the music director in 1992. He continued in that role for an amazing 31 years! In 2021, it was announced that he would step down. This decision was partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Weeda's leadership, the orchestra's programs grew a lot. Local professional musicians, many of whom were once in the Youth Symphony, now coach the young players. They also started recording projects and a chamber music series. A chamber orchestra and an alumni association were also created. Scholarships became available for students. Visiting artists from groups like the Anchorage Concert Association and the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra give special lessons called master classes.
What AYS Aims To Do
The Alaska Youth Orchestras work to make their members better performers. They also help the music community across Alaska. They do this by working with school music programs and other music and arts groups. AYS gives its members professional guidance, coaching, and a wide range of music to play.
Many AYS members improved their skills by being part of the Anchorage Junior Youth Symphony first. Some AYS members even play with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra at the same time!
Over the years, the groups have toured many places. These include Canada, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Washington D.C., Washington state, California, and New York. They have also performed in many locations throughout Alaska.
The AYS Music Director and Conductor is Linn Weeda. He studied trumpet with famous musicians Armando Ghitalla and Roger Voisin. He also performs with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra.
See also
External links
- Alaska Youth Orchestras
- Anchorage Junior Youth Symphony
- Fairbanks Youth Orchestras
ja:アンカレッジ交響楽団
