Summary
Organization name
Valley Youth Orchestra
1999
Tax id (EIN)
84-1603472
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
PO Box 274Delta, CO 81416
Delta County, CO, US
Valley Youth Orchestra provides youth from ages 8 to 18 the opportunity to rehearse and play in a regional string orchestra geared to the child's level of playing. The VYO provides a youth orchestra to Colorado’s Western Slope communities. Our mission is to inspire young string musicians in a nurturing environment with a focus on peer mentoring and musical excellence.
The VYO is comprised of 3 ensembles based on ability level. Students audition for placement in the groups, but the more advanced students join the other ensembles as mentors. In addition to 3 scheduled concerts, the VYO has educational outreach through Strings in Schools and provides small ensemble performances in the community. The VYO also provides a masterclass each trimester that provides additional musical experiences to our young musicians.
More information about the VYO can be found at www.valleyyouthorchestra.org.
Testimonials
The VYO gives kids a musical/artistic outlet that they otherwise would not have here on the Western Slope. It allows them to meet kids with similar interests and the one-on-one music lessons assist their growth in music and their personal musical abilities. I have seen my daughter's violin skills improve greatly since she started with the VYO. Her ability to read music and work within an orchestral setting has been amazing to watch. Elaine, VYO parent and Board Member
VYO gives me a place to be myself as a musician. I have also learned to play well with others. Maggie C., age 16. VYO participant for 9 years.
Music has been my life for a very long time. The orchestra has been a wonderful place for me to share it. Anwen B., age 18. former VYO participant for 8 years and now studying music at a major east coast university.
It is a place where I feel accepted and we all draw from each other's strengths and skills.
The VYO provides mentors who can help you if you are in need. We also learn how to harmonize with others which makes the music experience more valuable.
The Valley Youth Orchestra has given me the chance to participate in an activity that I love with other music devotees. This has been a great gift to me in that it has taught me the value of group collaboration and helped me improve as an individual while contributing to a greater whole. Kelly S., age 16. VYO participant for 8 years.
I love playing violin. Emma G., age 8, VYO participant for 1 season.
As I've played more and more - getting older, I've fallen in love with the sound of our orchestra playing together. Julia T., VYO participant for 10 years.
I enjoy VYO because it gives students the chance to connect with others who love playing music. Sage K., age 16. VYO participant for 6 years.
Mission
The Valley Youth Orchestra is a board-run, 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing a youth orchestra to Colorado’s Western Slope communities. Our mission is to inspire young string musicians in a nurturing environment with a focus on peer mentoring and musical excellence.
Background Statement
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:
The Valley Youth Orchestra (VYO) is a 501(c)(3) organization, that was founded in 1999 by three Western Slope professional musicians. Our goal was to provide the opportunity for youth to rehearse and perform in a string orchestra. This opportunity is not available in our schools in Montrose, Delta, or Cedaredge.
In 2011, committed parents reorganized the Board of Directors and hired, Debra TenNapel as the 4th director/conductor during our twenty year history. Debra was with the VYO for 10 years. Laura Payne was selected as Director in 2021 and comes to the VYO with 36 years as a music educator. Under the direction of committed and qualified Music Directors and with the support of a solid working Board of Directors, the VYO has grown and prospered.
Our longevity and strength as an organization comes from our community. We have been fortunate to experience strong support from a geographically diverse area for over twenty years, and we are seeing an increase in participation after the pandemic. Many people have stepped up and shown a willingness to be involved. With talented professionals, strong teamwork, and experienced and dedicated conductors our organization has experienced continued growth. As a result, during the past twenty years VYO has been able to give back to the community through numerous free concerts, while at the same time providing a safe environment for our children to enjoy the positive experience of playing music. VYO continues to seek opportunities for growth and development. By partnering with Universities and Colleges as well as professional musicians, the VYO seeks to provide unique educational experiences for our students.
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Organization Data
Delta, CO 81416