American Youth Philharmonic (AYP)

Rehearses Mondays from 7:00-9:30pm in the McLean/Vienna area
Our most advanced full orchestra, the American Youth Philharmonic (AYP) is a musical training ground for the most accomplished young musicians in the area, many of whom go on to have successful music careers. AYP performs a series of demanding orchestral literature spanning from Classical to contemporary and commissioned works. Includes students grades 9th-12th, averaging grade 12.

Symphonic Orchestra (SO)

Rehearses Mondays from 7:00-9:30pm in the McLean/Vienna area
The American Youth Symphonic Orchestra (AYSO) is a full orchestral ensemble with a focus on musical and leadership development. Repertoire is carefully selected to give both brass and woodwind players solo opportunities, with an emphasis on classical masterpieces that are important for any young player’s musical education. Includes students grades 9th-12th, averaging grade 10.

Sinfonietta

Rehearses Monday from 7:00-9:00pm in the McLean/Vienna area
The American Youth Sinfonietta (AYS) is an advanced string orchestra with percussion for aspiring high school musicians. AYS aims to focus on classical arrangements and original works for string ensemble. Includes students grades 9th-12th, averaging grade 9. Rising 8th graders (and younger) may not audition at the Sinfonietta level; they should audition for String Ensemble or Concert Orchestra.

Concert Orchestra (CO)

Rehearses Mondays from 7:00-9:00pm in the McLean/Vienna area
The American Youth Concert Orchestra (AYCO) is the first full orchestral ensemble that a musician experiences within the AYPO program. The wide variety of concert repertoire is meant to challenge and educate musicians by exposing them to new styles and techniques. Strong emphasis is placed on training young woodwind, brass and percussion players in the art of orchestral playing. Includes students grades 7th-9th, averaging grade 9.

String Ensemble (SE)

Rehearses Mondays from 7:00-9:00pm in the McLean/Vienna area
The American Youth String Ensemble (AYSE) is an intermediate string orchestra for musicians at a comparative level of Suzuki Book 4 or above. An emphasis is placed on understanding the roles and relationships between instruments in the ensemble. AYSE performs both original string orchestra works and arrangements of standard symphonic literature. Rising 9th graders (and older) may not audition at the String Ensemble level; they should audition for Concert Orchestra or a Senior Division Orchestra.

Debut Orchestra (DO)

Rehearses Mondays from 5:00-6:30pm in the McLean/Vienna area
The American Youth Debut Orchestra (AYDO) creates a fun and focused environment where string players learn the fundamentals of orchestral performance, vital rhythmic and tempo techniques, and overall basic ensemble playing skills. AYDO focuses on the growth and development of musicians at the beginning of their orchestral training. Before joining, musicians should have at least two years of private instruction. Rising 7th graders (and older) may not audition at the Debut Orchestra level; they should audition for String Ensemble or Concert Orchestra.

Prelude Strings (PS)

Rehearses Mondays from 5:15PM-6:15PM in the McLean/Vienna area
The American Youth Prelude Strings, introduces string musicians grades 3-5 to the basic skills needed for ensemble playing and orchestral procedure. The American Youth Prelude Strings provides an increased focus on note reading and more intimate showcase performances for families and friends of our youngest elementary string players. Rising 6th graders (and older) may not audition at the Prelude Strings level; they should audition for the Debut Orchestra.