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 under renowned Music Director and Conductor R. Gary Langford. 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 Philips Center for the Performing Arts and the University Auditorium.
The orchestra’s performance season includes Spring and Winter concerts that are free and open to the public; a “Meet The Orchestra” concert for all Alachua County fifth graders that gives students an opportunity to hear a live orchestral performance in a beautiful concert hall, and the annual Holiday Traditions Concert in support of Stop! Children’s Cancer that features the orchestra with a 120 voice choir, soloists and audience participation.
The orchestra recently participated in Festival Disney 2016 where they performed before a panel of nationally recognized judges who awarded them a Superior rating. The orchestra performed “Egmont Overture” by Beethoven, “An American Elegy” by Frank Ticheli, and “Cowboys Overture” by John Williams. Three members of the orchestra were also selected for individual awards by the judges. This was the orchestra’s third appearance at the Orlando theme park.
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