b'ryots ethow the VYOA came to beIts easy to look at our organization as aIt was time to find the orchestra a permanent whole, with its 80-piece orchestra, programs,home. and various community engagement and think,Nearby, an empty building sat boarded up, of course this makes sense. But, there wasntwaiting to be rediscovered. Once the riding always a place for students in our region tohall at the Fort Ethan Allen military base, immerse themselves in music together.it housed odds and ends for St. Michaels In fact, 58 years ago, the original students ofCollege, where it was used as storage. The the Vermont Youth Orchestra were practicingparents looked past the less-than-welcoming solitarily throughout the region, thoughts ofstate of the building, seeing its great potential orchestra involvement a distant dream. Theirto be their new home. lonely notes echoed throughout VermontsAll that was left to do was raise a very large, various landscapes, waiting to be discovered. and somewhat daunting, sum of money.Meanwhile, these childrens parentsWhile orchestra leaders poured their full enjoyed their music communities. Theyefforts into fundraising by holding instrument formed friendships and watched how musicsales and summer camps, various community transformed their own lives. Wanting the samemembers stepped forward, inspired by their experiences for their children, they camehope. People became even more excited when together and hatched an idea. one of the dedicated leaders, known as the Why couldnt they form an orchestra whereorganizations matriarch, gave a very generous their children could experience musicgift. Businesses, foundations, organizations, together?and even two Senators saw that this cause was Word of this plan spread throughoutworth fighting for, and would contribute to Vermonts sleepy towns, and with lots ofsomething bigger than themselves.enthusiasm and a touch of chaos, the firstOn a cold day in November of 2001, the youth orchestra was formed. The Burlingtonbuilding opened its doors once again, this Friends of Music for Youth, as it was formerlytime as the home of the VYOA. Everyone known, began to take hold throughout thefound warmth inside the buildings brightness, region. now renovated to house the orchestras unique The children of the new youth orchestraneeds. Named after the orchestras matriarch relished in their newfound community.and her father, it was called the Elley-Long Rehearsals were fun and inspiring, andMusic Center. harmonies danced together as they sat inWhere lonely notes once echoed, there is awe of what they could create. Their passionopportunity for union. Where students sought became contagious, and over the years thefriendship, there is community. Fifty-eight orchestra expanded, forming 3 separateyears later, we are proud to continue to hold orchestras and smaller groups for youngera safe space where learners of all ages can siblings to join. benefit from music. As the organization continued to grow,Behind every program, orchestra, and finding rehearsal and performance spacesperformance is the embodiment of the spirit became challenging. Students met whereverthat helped us become who we are. We are so they could, like in various UVM buildings,thankful that youre on this journey with us, at Burlington High School, and at St. Paulsand we hope you find value in the power of Cathedral. But parents were tired of cartingour mission.around heavy instruments, oblong music stands, and piles of music.6'