A Brief History of the VYOA

From collaborations with Midori and Trey Anastasio to concerts in places as varied as Carnegie Hall and Hong Kong City Hall, the organization has tripled in size since its inception, now serving 600 students each year from VT, NY, and NH.

Today, the VYOA offers young musicians a wide array of opportunities: five different orchestral programs, two choruses, music camps, master classes, the Endangered Instruments Program, school tours, music theory sectionals with the best educators in the state, and unique performance experiences.

Since 2001, the home of VYOA is a former cavalry drill hall located at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester, VT. The Elley-Long Music Center at Saint Michael's College is recognized by the community for both historic integrity and excellent acoustics. Offering rehearsal and performance space and housing the VYOA administration, it truly is "home sweet home."

From collaborations with Midori and Trey Anastasio to concerts in places as varied as Carnegie Hall and Hong Kong City Hall, and l'église de la Madeleine in Paris, this is no ordinary youth orchestra. If you have not attended a concert presented by one of the VYOA's outstanding orchestras, ensembles or choruses, we encourage you to join us and find out why the VYOA is one of the most remarkable programs of its kind in the U.S.!

Timeline

1957
A group of parents dedicated to promoting musical opportunities for Burlington area youth forms the "Friends of Music for Youth".

1963
The Vermont Youth Orchestra is formally established.

1997
The Friends of Music officially changes its name to the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association, a full-fledged non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors and professional staff.

2001
The VYOA moves into its own home—the Elley-Long Music Center at Saint Michael's College.

2002
VYO celebrates its 40th Anniversary Season.

2004
Music Director and Conductor Troy Peters celebrates his 10th season with the VYOA
The VYO debuts at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

2006
VYO performs with the renowned violinist, Midori.

2007
The VYO successfully completed a two-week concert tour of China. The VYO Chorus and Vermont Youth Concert Chorale are created.

2009
The VYO completes a successful tour of Québec & France, performing concerts in Québec City, Canada, and in Paris, Fouras and Poitiers, France.

2010
The VYOA appoints Ronald Braunstein as new Music Director and Conductor for the organization.