Carl J. Bianchi
Conductor Emeritus, AYSO

The 2016-2017 year marked Carl (Jeff) Bianchi’s 26th and final year with AYPO as conductor of the American Youth Symphonic Orchestra.

Mr. Bianchi began his musical training on the french horn in 7th grade. He did not play in a youth orchestra in high school but gained valuable experience from playing horn in adult community orchestras in the area.

Mr. Bianchi graduated from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Music and a Performer's Certificate in french horn. While attending Eastman, he played solo horn with the Eastman Wind Ensemble under Frederick Fennell and also toured Europe, the Middle East, and the Soviet Union with the Eastman Philharmonia Orchestra under the auspices of the State Department.

Mr. Bianchi is a longtime educator and served as James Madison High School’s (Vienna, VA) Director of Bands for 29 years. In Mr. Bianchi's last year at Madison High School he was named the school’s "Teacher of the Year." Mr. Bianchi was awarded the 2015 VMEA Hall of Fame Award for his exemplary service and dedication to music education.

Mr. Bianchi considers his experience at the Rochester New York Youth Symphony Festival to be one of his favorite AYPO memories. AYSO traveled to Rochester, NY where musicians received master classes by Eastman School of Music faculty and performed at the Eastman Theatre. Under Mr. Bianchi’s tenure the ensemble has performed two commissioned pieces: “Do Not Go Gentle Into the Good Night” by composer Elliott del Borgo and “The War Prayer” composed by Robert Jager.

When giving advice to aspiring musicians Mr. Bianchi keeps it simple, “practice, practice…practice.” He turns to old mentors Frederick Fennell and Clyde Roller, both notable conductors and educators at his alma mater, for musical inspiration.

When Mr. Bianchi is not traveling to various parts of the world with his wife Pat, he enjoys working on his garden and his golf swing.