New for the 2013 – 2014 season, PVYO will offer a Concert Band for students in grades 6 through 9, and a high school Wind Ensemble for students in grades 10-12. Robert Dahlin, long-time PVYO conductor and 2006 – 2007 “Montgomery County Teacher of the Year” will lead the Concert Band in its inaugural year, and Terry Alvey, our long time PVYO Conductor and past Maryland All-State Conductor will lead the Wind Ensemble. This is a wonderful opportunity for woodwind, brass, and percussion students to develop their skills in an encouraging, fun and enriching environment!
Historically, there has been very few “full-year” large ensemble experiences for winds aside from the limited seats for winds within a youth orchestra. The county and state bands only meet for a handful of rehearsals and perform one concert, and are extremely competitive and generally enrolled by the oldest players within the age range for each group. The PVYO Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will open up many more opportunities for students across grades 6-12 and greatly augment their musical experience and preparation for their school, county, and state bands.
Audition materials may include any past or current all-state requirements, or simply an appropriate solo as indicated in the audition requirements. After the first concert the PVYO Concert Band and Wind Ensemble will take a short break to allow for members to perform in their county or state band, and resume in February to begin work on the spring semester.
The Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra, (PVYO) is delighted to announce exciting enhancements to our great team of educators and conductors. First, we would like to welcome David Levin and Scott Herman to the PVYO team! Mr. Levin will be joining PVYO as Music Education Director, working with students throughout the entire PVYO organization. Mr. Levin recently stepped down as the Education Director and Philharmonic Conductor of the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras and is thrilled to be bringing his background and leadership to PVYO. Mr. Levin’s youth orchestras and school ensembles have been highly recognized nationally and are well regarded amongst the best in the region. Read more….
Mr. Herman, a 2009 recipient of the “Maryland State Music Teacher of the Year,” will be stepping into the role of PVYO Symphony Orchestra Conductor, leading our 7th through 9th grade full orchestra. His youth orchestras and school ensembles are widely recognized for their beautiful and refined sound, precision, and clear intonation. His background as both a wind and strong teacher will be a wonderful addition to our Symphony. Read more….
Together Mr. Levin and Mr. Herman bring a wealth of teaching and conducting experience having a combined 35 years of youth orchestra experience and 60 years in the school classroom! In addition, we will be adding a 6th through 9th grade Concert Band conducted by our very own Robert Dahlin, a recipient of the prestigious “Montgomery County Teacher of the Year!” Mr. Dahlin’s middle school program is well represented at the county and state levels, and his groups consistently achieve top scores at regional festivals and competitions. Read More….
The Concert Band will be offering new opportunities to the wind, brass and percussion students of the entire Washington Metropolitan Area. We are very excited about the wealth of knowledge and experience these fine conductors and educators bring to our community and students!
