One of the nation’s leading youth orchestra organizations, AYPO provides training and performance experience to more than 600 musicians ages 7 to 21. With seven orchestras and 15 programs, there is a major focus on expanding outreach to children who otherwise might not have the opportunity to develop their musical skills. Auditions are competitive and scholarships ensure that each accepted student can join regardless of ability to pay. Musicians receive 167 hours of training — over 40 rehearsals, 30 chamber ensemble coaching sessions, and 10 concerts and recitals. AYPO’s talented high schoolers provide weekly, private music lessons to underserved elementary and middle school students through its Music Buddies program. Additional outreach brings concerts into public schools, community centers, and nursing homes. Dubbed “simply outstanding” (Washington Post), AYPO's young people are determined to make and share music.

Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; VA-Statewide

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17)

Population(s) Served: All


  • Artists employed by us annually:  
    Over 50 performing artists are hired by AYPO each year.
  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   Over 8,000 individuals!
  • Number of people (clients, students, seniors, youth, etc) served annually by our arts outreach programming:   Over 500 musicians!

Awards & Recognition

ARTSFAIRFAX 2018 Arts Education Award

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

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