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MEET OUR FUTURE ORCHESTRA & AUDIENCE

APYO AUDITIONS FOR 2022/23 ARE NOW CLOSED

 

Been taking lessons for over a year? Ready to play with others and make some bigger music? Grab your instrument and join the APYO! Make new friends in NWA's exciting arts scene. Auditions and parent/student orientation in September. Then Monday evening rehearsals from October until March, excluding holidays.  Did we mention it's free?

 

Look for new audition information in summer 2023.

Free Arkansas All Region Orchestra Video tutorials

Watch Now
Q: Why did the music coming out of Brahms's grave sound so awful? 
A: He was decomposing.

The Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) team believes in making classical music fun and educational for local young people. We do that by teaching those who are keen to learn and by making it accessible for others who may be even just a little curious. 

When it comes to Arkansas arts education, we take the teaching and playing of music for youth seriously. But let's remember, it's called ‘playing' music for a reason. Below, you'll see all the playful ways the APO cultivates young talent from around Northwest Arkansas. 

NEW ARLENE M. WARNEr MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND

 

Arlene Warner has been an evangelist for the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra for many years, encouraging anyone who will listen to attend APO concerts, often buying tickets to share. Her generous and enthusiastic spirit is an invaluable gift to the arts community in Northwest Arkansas.   The Arlene M. Warner Music Scholarship Fund creates opportunities for students to explore music and support the development of musical skills. 

 
SUPPORT THE FUND

 

THE ARKANSAS PHILHARMONIC YOUTH ORCHESTRA (APYO)

 

The APYO is a full Arkansas youth orchestra with music instruction and performances for its players. APYO students develop strong musical foundations and discipline. ‘Play' is a big idea. Our players learn to express themselves through music. They grow into confident individuals, developing deep friendships in the process.

 

WHO'S TEACHING? 

 

APYO conductors and coaches come from the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra and the University of Arkansas Department of Music. Expert trainers, these instructors know how to excite and motivate young musicians to make huge progress and celebrate their successes. 

Christy Paxton, Education Director, APYO Chamber COnductorChristy Paxton
Director of Education, APYO Conductor
Robin Sumpter, APYO Philharmonica ConductorRobin Sumpter
APYO Conductor
Kristen Young
APYO Conductor
Ron Juzeler
APYO Conductor

OTHER APO ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS

 

SCHOOL RESIDENCIES

 

Part of the APO's mandate is to entice young talent to classical music, then empower them through patient training. Students enjoy formal instruction with professional musicians. It's a life changing experience — for both parties! 

 

LINK UP, SUPPORTED BY CARNEGIE HALL'S WEILL MUSIC INSTITUTE

 

Local 2nd through 5th graders can attend an APO performance, learn about the music and even sign, dance or play music with us before a live audience! To prepare these small performers for the big day, participating music teachers do Arkansas virtual learning, following a national curriculum, provided by Carnegie Hall. 
 

OTHER IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS 

 
The APO is piloting a Before School Music Program for younger children at Parsons Hill Elementary. We hope to expand the pilot soon. We also offer After School Music Programs for Haas Hall campuses and can help create music programs for your charter or private school. 

 

Curious educators can contact us. In the meantime, these free videos make terrific lessons for young musicians and busy teachers. 

 

Meet The Orchestra Videos for Teaching
Link Up Lesson Presentations

OUR SPONSORS

 

The APO couldn't continue its vital music programs without the participation and generosity of these local schools and organizations: Haas Hall Academy, Fayetteville Public Schools, Rogers Public School, Siloam Springs Public Schools, Springdale Public Schools, and Bentonville Public Schools.