The Youth Concert Orchestra (YCO) provides unique exposure to full orchestra training for 60-80 string, woodwind, brass and percussion players from across the Albuquerque area. The Youth Concert Orchestra focuses on excellent playing technique, sight reading skills, and group ensemble skills.

WEEKLY REHEARSALS: Wednesdays 6:30-9:00pm (unless otherwise noted) at the AYSP Facility.

SECTIONALS: Youth Concert Orchestra students participate in sectionals, during which each section works with a professional musician or music educator to assist them in preparing season repertoire and addressing instrument specific issues. Sectionals are held several times each semester during the regular rehearsal time with professional musicians from our community.

CONCERTS: The Youth Concert Orchestra gives two performances each season – one in the fall at an outstanding Albuquerque-area venue to be determined and a second in the spring at the University of New Mexico’s Popejoy Hall. These two performances, along with associated dress rehearsals, are mandatory for all members of the Youth Concert Orchestra. Members of the Youth Concert Orchestra also may perform a community outreach concert in December at a community venue, with rehearsals leading up to the concert during the regular time on Monday evenings.

SCHOOL TOUR: The Youth Concert Orchestra performs annually in November at a public school in the Albuquerque area as part of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program’s School Tours. The host school offers one or more assemblies in the morning (usually between 7am-12pm) for their students, during which the Youth Concert Orchestra performs several pieces and students at the host school learn about classical and symphonic music. Youth Concert Orchestra students enrolled in APS schools are excused from classes on the morning of their School Tour. Parents bring their students to the host school and pick them up.

CONTACT US

Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program
4407 Menaul Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
PO Box 30961
Albuquerque, NM 87190
505-875-1319