About Us

For young musicians and their families, Vermont Youth Orchestra Association offers an inclusive musical community where all members find wholehearted welcome. Children of all ages find opportunities to engage in music making, including early childhood music, high-level music education, and pre-professional concert and solo opportunities. Our programs transform young people’s lives by developing them as artists, citizens, and leaders through the shared pursuit of musical excellence.

Mission

The VYOA is a community that transforms young people’s lives through music by fostering a culture where musicians realize their artistic potential, form lifelong friendships, and strive for musical excellence.

Values and Beliefs

Vermont Youth Orchestra Association believes that making music is an essential human activity and that access to the opportunity to develop musical skills is fundamental to our well-being. We welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities to join us in our music-making community. We pledge to be an organization that meets young people where they are in their musical journey and helps them realize their potential.

 
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Inclusion and Diversity

Our shared love of music inspires us to welcome all families regardless of their background and financial resources.

Excellence and High Standards

Music-making is a powerful vehicle for youth to experience individual and collective excellence. Hard work and gaining mastery are recognized and rewarded.

Teamwork and Personal Growth

We believe music-making has the power to transform lives, build self-esteem, enrich self-expression, and create community.

Ethics

We believe in practicing organizational behavior that celebrates integrity, transparency, and accountability to our students, families, faculty, staff, donors, and board of directors.

Leadership and Service

Young people are empowered through their ability to contribute to an ensemble. They develop the capacity to lead, a sense of service, and the satisfaction of giving back.

Community Partnerships

In order to achieve our vision we will broaden our reach into the wider community by working with a dynamic range of collaborators.

History of the VYOA

  • 1964

    Vermont Youth Orchestra performs its first concert in May of 1964, under the baton of Virgilio Mori.

  • 1972

    Vermont Youth Strings and String Training Orchestra are offered for the first time, expanding the programs to serve even more young musicians.

  • 1991

    The Vermont Youth Orchestra embarks on its first international tour to Russia.

  • 2001

    The Vermont Youth Orchestra completes a major renovation effort and moves into Elley-Long Music Center.

  • 2012

    VYOA Launches its community outreach program Music Inspires, bringing musicians into afterschool programs in Vermont.

  • 2016

    VYOA begins offering Rug Concerts, a series of music events designed for children 5 and under, giving young children an introduction to the world of orchestral instruments.

  • 2020

    Orchestra continues uninterrupted throughout the pandemic, it offers an all-virtual concert season and provides online opportunities for music and camaraderie.

  • 2023

    VYOA Students board a bus and take a flight from Boston’s Logan Airport, bound for Greece. It’s the first time the orchestra has toured since the pandemic.

  • 2026

    VYOA purchases Elley-Long Music Center from St. Michael’s College.

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Watching my own kids go through VYOA showed me how powerful this community is. For decades, families have counted on VYOA to help raise not only strong musicians, but grounded, connected young people with a deep love for music.

–Rosina Cannizzaro, Executive Director