The Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is proud to partner with the Austin Youth Orchestra (AYO) program by offering special opportunities for AYO members as outlined below. The primary goal of the ASO and this partnership is to give students the chance to meet and work with the masters and to provide special performance opportunities that will have a unique, rewarding, and long-lasting impact on their lives.

Nationally recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Symphony Orchestra League, the ASO Education Programs, under the leadership of Diana Eblen, ASO Director of Education, have been selected as one of the nine most outstanding and innovative music education programs in the nation. The students and staff of AYO are very grateful for the many excellent educational opportunities provided through our partnership with the ASO.

MASTER CLASSES AND "INFORMANCES" BY ASO GUEST ARTISTS

These programs offer central Texas area music students the rare opportunity to learn from the masters. Master classes provide selected students the opportunity to perform solo repertoire for ASO visiting guest artists while their peers observe. During the “Informance,” ASO guest artists discuss their life as a professional musician. Both programs bring the expertise and guidance of master musicians directly to the students.

"SIDE-BY-SIDE" CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG CONCERT WITH THE ASO

Another of the many benefits of the AYO program is the opportunity for select members of the Austin Youth Symphony Orchestra to perform in the annual ASO “Side-By-Side” Christmas Sing-A-Long Concert during the month of December. Students attend the rehearsals and are included as part of the ASO for the concert. Participating Austin Youth Symphony Orchestra members also receive two free tickets to attend the Sing-A-Long Concert, compliments of the ASO.

"MUSIC ON THE MEZZANINE" PERFORMANCES

Each of the five orchestras of the AYO program is invited by the ASO to perform “Music on the Mezzanine” concerts immediately prior to Classical Season Concerts at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Members of the participating orchestras also receive two free tickets to attend the ASO concerts.

FREE ADMISSION TO ASO PERFORMANCES

Austin Youth Symphony Orchestra members can receive two free tickets to each ASO Classical Season Concert (excluding special events) when they present their AYO identification card at the ASO box office.