The Alachua County Youth Orchestra, founded in 1973, is committed to fostering the community’s gifted young musicians by providing them with the opportunity to rehearse and perform orchestral music at the highest level possible. As music programs are scaled back in public schools, the ACYO helps fill this void by offering quality orchestral instruction to interested students. Middle and high school students are admitted through competitive auditions at the beginning of the academic year. The orchestra rehearses Sunday evenings at the University of Florida under the auspices of the School of Music. Performances take place at the University of Florida Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and UF’s University Auditorium.
The orchestra’s performance season includes Spring and Winter concerts that are free and open to the public and other, smaller performances that are open to the community as well.
Orchestra members are recognized as high achievers in music, academics, sports, and other endeavors individually. Many have won solo and small ensemble competitions sponsored by Florida State Music Teachers Association, Florida Federation of Music Clubs, and Florida Bandmasters Association. Several members perform as soloists, chamber musicians, and members of other community ensembles. Some members extend their music study and capabilities by attending major summer music camps and festivals. Many go on to study at prominent schools of music and conservatories, and enjoy careers as professional musicians and music educators.
Alachua County Youth Orchestra is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3