Quincy Area Youth Orchestra

The Quincy Area Youth Orchestra joined QSOA in 1993. QAYO attracts junior and senior high school students from the tri-state area of Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. QAYO rehearses weekly during the school year, mostly on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons.

To be eligible for QAYO membership, students need to meet the following criteria:

1. Participate in their school ensemble
2. Have at least three years playing experience
3. Be in grades 7-12 (6th grade students with three years’ experience may apply)
4. Have a successful audition

Everyone auditions each year for the orchestra, even previous members. Tuition for the year is $60, with a discount for siblings. Tuition is free for families with significant financial need. More detailed information may be found on the QAYO Brochure, or call 217-222-2856 or e-mail us at [email protected].

 

Quincy Area Youth Orchestra Conductor

Performances

THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS
Quincy Symphony Orchestra
Guests: Quincy Area Youth Orchestra
Young Artists Concert

3 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024
QJHS Morrison Theater

Featuring music from:

Star Wars

Indiana Jones

E.T.

and others

Young Artist Competition Winner(s)

The QAYO will play side-by-side with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra for the “Music of John Williams” showcase, opening the concert with Williams’ well-known ceremonial fanfare and theme from the 1988 Olympics entitled “The Olympic Spirit.” In the cold of winter, this music will bring thoughts of the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

$15 Seniors, $18 other adults. Children under 18 admitted free.

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Spring Concert
Quincy Area Youth Orchestra
Richard M. Cangro, conductor

7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2024

Baldwin School Auditorium
30th & Maine St., Quincy, IL

Admission is free – donations to the QAYO are encouraged.

Williams: Olympic Spirit

Bryant: Dusk

Daniels: Into Love’s Light

Gershwin/Whitney: An American in Paris Suite

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Auditions

All musicians must audition each year for the QAYO.  Auditions will be done virtually by submitting a video link to Dr. Cangro. Audition requirements are specified in the “QAYO Auditions Instructions” document below.  Membership is limited.  Submit video auditions by September 25, 2023.

Registration:  Students will submit a Registration Form and tuition payment after being accepted into the ensemble.

QAYO Downloads

QAYO Rehearsal Schedule

QAYO Brochure

QAYO Audition Instructions

This program was made possible by Encore! Symphony Volunteer Council and grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, the Tracy Family Foundation, the Michelmann Foundation, the J.W. Gardner II Foundation, and the following funds through the Community Foundation:  Jayne & Leroy Boeckelman Fund for Young Musicians, Katherine Broemmel Endowment for the Arts, Cory Didriksen Lovelace Fund, Mary Ridder Cherny Fund and the Irwin Family Fund.