Vermont Youth Orchestra & VYO Chorus featured in "Video Games Live" presented by the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, January 17 at 8:00 pm

"Video Games Live" features the Vermont Youth Orchestra and members of the VYO Chorus in a dynamic concert that combines the power of a full orchestra, the energy of a rock concert and the popularity of video games into a truly spectacular multimedia experience. Thanks to a special partnership with the Flynn Center, the VYO and the VYOC are the first youth orchestra members to perform this popular and exciting program, which has been selling out concert halls across the country. Led by conductor Jack Wall, the orchestra and chorus will perform scores from classic and current video games augmented by video footage, synchronized lighting, electronic elements and interactive audience segments. Musical selections from games Mario, Zelda, Fantasy, Myst, Pac-Man, Civilization IV, Tetris, Frogger, Space Invaders and more will be included on the program.

It is very likely that this concert will soon be sold out. Please purchase tickets today if you have not already done so!

Tickets: $45, $35 and $25. Information: 802-86-Flynn or www.flynntix.org.

Presented by the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

Register for the Winter & Spring Sessions of Presto

The VYOA is currently accepting registrations for the winter and spring sessions of Presto, an ensemble program for beginning string players led by conductor Asiat Ali. Presto sessions take place on Saturday mornings; the winter session runs from January 17 through February 14, followed by the spring session from March 7 through April 4. All sessions are held at the Elley-Long Music Center at Saint Michael's College.

Sessions cover a variety of topics, including orchestra etiquette, learning to watch the conductor and playing/listening in a group. The program is open to string players who can read C, D, A and G major scales and are learning the F major scale. Two levels of Presto accommodate students according to their skill level. Session 1 meets at 10:00 am; session 2 meets at 11:15 am. The winter session culminates in a concert for parents and families, held on the last day of the session.

The cost for each session of Presto is $70.00. Financial Aid is available. Download a registration form HERE or call the VYOA office at 802-655-5030 for additional information.

Photos: Katie Schaffer

Hold These 2009 Audition & Camp Dates!

Mark your calendars now for annual auditions and the VYOA summer camps. Please check www.vyo.org for updated information.

VYOA Annual Auditions:
Orchestral Auditions: May 4 - May 22 | Choral Auditions: May 26 - May 31
Music Day Camp: June 22 - 26
Reveille! Music Festival: August 2 - August 9
Vermont Youth Strings & Vermont Youth Sinfonia Mini Camp: August 18 & 19
Vermont Youth Orchestra Chorus & Concert Chorale Mini Camp: August 20 & 21

VYOA Alumni Holiday Lunch

On December 30, 2008, the VYOA held our first Alumni Holiday Lunch at the Elley-Long Music Center at Saint Michael's College. Alumni who were home for the holidays were invited to hear the VYO rehearsing in preparation for their First Night Concerts at the Flynn Center and to enjoy a catered meal with past and current VYO members. Attendees spent a delightful afternoon reminiscing and catching up with VYO friends, ensuring that the Alumni Holiday Lunch will become an annual event. If you are interested in being added to our alumni mailing list, please contact us at info@vyo.org.

Happy Birthday, Carolyn Long!

In addition to being instrumental in the transformation of the beautiful Elley-Long Music Center at Saint Michael's College, Carolyn Long has served as orchestra manager for the VYO since its inception in 1963. Transporting percussion instruments; organizing VYO school tours across the state; managing hectic rehearsal schedules, and distributing music scores; it's all in a day's work for Mrs. Long! Thus, it is hard to believe that she recently turned 90 years old.

On Sunday, January 11, Mrs. Long's family, including her four children, family friends and members of the VYOA celebrated with a surprise birthday party in her honor at the Elley-Long Music Center at Saint Michael's College. A fête extraordinaire, complete with a violin-themed cake, the party featured a surprise appearance by violinist Soovin Kim (VYO 1986-91) who flew from New York to perform a special recital of her favorite music. When asked over a year ago if he would be able to participate, he stated, "I wouldn't miss this for the world!"

Mrs. Long's contribution to the VYOA is as enormous as her impact has been on the students whose lives she has touched with her passion and zest for music. Alumni tributes collected in a book created for the occasion fondly recalled her eagle eye for detail and tuning, energetic demeanor and insistence on excellent musicianship at all times. A few alums even admitted that her intimidation was enough to inspire daily practice, while one suggested that she must be the prototype for the Energizer Bunny! The underlying theme of everyone's message was the same: Their lives were inspired and their music made better thanks to Mrs. Long's dedication to youth, music and education. Happy Birthday, Mrs. Long!

Photo: John Canning

Fundraising Report: Financial Stability at the VYOA

The VYOA is beginning the New Year on the heels of some fabulous performances in December! Tickets for our annual Orchestrapalooza at the Flynn Center were sold-out several days in advance; the VYO Chorus & Concert Chorale gave tremendously well received concerts in St. Albans and Colchester; and the VYO wowed audiences at First Night Burlington.

Unfortunately, ticket sales do not keep this organization running. Like other nonprofits, the VYOA is forced to make difficult choices in order to weather the changing economic climate. We have already made our first major cut: due to the loss of a significant annual grant, our orchestras and choruses will be unable to perform their annual school tours this spring. This will be the first time in decades that we have not gone into the schools for performances.

The news is not all bad. The majority of the VYOA's longtime donors have once again renewed their support this season, and several have been able to increase their gifts. At the halfway point through our fiscal year, we have now raised just over $121,000. This is an increase over our fundraising total from at this time last year, but it's definitely not where we need to be to reach our goal of $220,000 by the end of June.

Would you please help us close the gap by making a gift to the VYOA today?

For more information on how to make your gift, please call us at (802) 655-5030 or visit our website at www.vyo.org. Please know that your donation - in any amount - will be greatly appreciated by our students, staff, and Board. Thank you!