Dear PVYO Families and Friends,      

Welcome back to the 2009 – 2010 season of Potomac Valley Youth Orchestras!  I am excited about the many wonderful opportunities available for our young musicians and I am looking forward to getting started with auditions and rehearsals in September.  All of our outstanding artistic staff will be returning and we are currently preparing music and putting together ideas for the coming year. 

As I step into the Executive Director position I’d like to highlight my vision for the Potomac Valley Youth Orchestras.  From my own personal experience, I know that being part of a music organization can be a life changing adventure.  I began my music studies at the age of 5 and music and participation in music ensembles has had a significant impact on my life.  I see PVYO supporting our students by giving them an intensive, high quality music experience along with providing an enriching supportive environment for our young musicians to learn and grow. When students participate in PVYO, they are part of a musical ensemble that provides a place where they can develop a valuable, lifelong skill.  They also develop a sense of community by making friends with like interests that are working towards the same goal.  Developing these skills also builds confidence and gives our students a real sense of accomplishment.   Our vision for PVYO is to provide these opportunities, focusing on rigorous music training and fostering a sense of community for our entire PVYO family. 

Currently we are preparing for auditions scheduled for September 11 – 14, 2009 where we will be auditioning students in grades 4 – 12 for all of our groups.  Potomac Valley Youth Orchestras offer seven ensembles including our Preparatory Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Clarinet Choir, Flute Choir, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra.    Registration will be available August 10, 2009 via our website at www.pvyo.org.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at executive_director@pvyo.org.

I consider it such an honor to be working with so many wonderful students, parents and staff who share this vision for PVYO.  I am looking forward to meeting and working with you as we work together to provide these opportunities for the young musicians of the Washington D.C. area.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Mitchell
PVYO Executive Director