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 | Principle conductor: Linn Weeda Anchorage Youth Philharmonic conductor: Tevya Robbins |
The Alaska Youth Orchestras (AYO) is a group of two youth orchestras. It was once known as the Anchorage Youth Symphony (AYS). This organization helps young musicians in Anchorage, Alaska.
AYO started in 1965 with just one orchestra. In 2011, more and more young people wanted to join. So, the group grew and split into two orchestras: the Anchorage Youth Philharmonic and the Anchorage Youth Symphony. That's why the name changed to Alaska Youth Orchestras. AYO helps young musicians get experience playing in an orchestra. They do this through rehearsals, concerts, learning programs, tours, and community events. When they are not traveling, AYO performs at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
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Amazing Performances
The Alaska Youth Orchestras have performed many special concerts. Here are some notable performances:
Australia Tour 2009
In 2009, the orchestra went on a tour to Australia. You can find some of their performances online:
- Kabalevsky, Poulenc (movements 1-6), and Beethoven's 9th Symphony (4th movement). For Poulenc and Beethoven, a large choir joined AYS. This concert was at the Sydney Opera House on July 12, 2009.
- Rimsky-Korsakov at Angel Place in Sydney, Australia.
- Hanson at Angel Place in Sydney, Australia.
Special Music Premieres
- In February 2008, AYS played a brand new orchestral piece. It was Kathleen Bielawski's The Thoughtful Bird. This was the first time an orchestra performed it.
- In December 2008, AYS performed a special piece by composer Philip Munger. It was called "Sinfonietta" and was a tribute to conductor Gordon Wright.
A Journey Through Time: AYO's History
The Alaska Youth Orchestras has a rich history of helping young musicians.
Early Years (1960s-1980s)
In 1963, the Anchorage School District hired Frank Pinkerton. He was a talented musician and conductor. Pinkerton led the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. He also included talented high school students in his performances. In September 1963, Pinkerton planned to create a "symphonic orchestra" for high school students.
His plan came true! In May 1965, Pinkerton started and conducted the All-School String Orchestra. This group had its first yearly concert. In 1966, the orchestra added wind and percussion instruments. Its name then changed to the Anchorage Youth Symphony. Pinkerton worked closely with the Anchorage School District's music programs. Under his leadership, the AYS became well-known. They performed in many places across Alaska.
Dewey Ehling took over from Frank Pinkerton in 1967. He became the music director for both the Anchorage School District and the youth symphony. In 1981, the Anchorage Youth Symphony Association became a non-profit organization. Ehling helped the orchestra travel even more. They performed in places like Washington state, California, Washington D.C., Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. He retired in 1986.
Growing and Touring (1980s-2000s)
Linn Weeda, who had been a student in the Youth Symphony himself, 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 during his time. Russell Guyver, a music professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, took over in 1991. Guyver started special retreats for members. These retreats helped students get to know each other better. He also arranged concerts in the Matanuska Valley.
Modern Era and Expansion
Linn Weeda returned as the music director in 1992. He continued in this role for an amazing 31 years! In 2021, it was announced that he would step down.
The orchestra's programs have grown a lot. Now, local professional musicians coach the young players. Many of these coaches were once in the Youth Symphony themselves. The program also includes recording projects and a chamber music series. There is also a chamber orchestra and an alumni association. Scholarships are available too. Famous visiting artists give special master classes. These artists come from groups like the Anchorage Concert Association, Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, and the Sitka Summer Music Festival.
What AYO Aims To Do
The Alaska Youth Orchestras (AYO) works to make its members better musicians. They also want to help the music community across Alaska. They do this by working with school music programs and other music and arts groups. AYO gives its members professional guidance, coaching, and a wide range of music to play.
Many AYO members gained experience by playing in the Anchorage Junior Youth Symphony. Some AYO members also play with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra at the same time.
Over the years, the group has traveled to many places. These tours have included 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 current Music Director and Conductor of AYO is Linn Weeda. He is a talented trumpet player. He studied with famous musicians like Armando Ghitalla and Roger Voisin. He also performs with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra.
See also
