Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra

Doris Gazda, Founder

The Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra is a non-profit organization, formed to give young musicians an opportunity to explore the art of playing in an orchestral ensemble. PVYO strives to help young musicians develop personally and grow musically through challenging and exciting educational programs. This year, PVYO welcomes over 325 participating musicians to our community.

PVYO was founded in 1990 by Doris Gazda, one of the country’s leading music educators and a former teacher in the Montgomery County Public Schools. During its first three years under Ms. Gazda, the organization expanded from one orchestra with 30 members to two orchestras of 100 students. In 1991, William Hollin became the second Music Director. Under his leadership, PVYO grew to four large orchestras, a wind ensemble, a flute choir, a clarinet choir, and a chamber orchestra. In 2002, the organization added several new programs, including a concerto competition which provides the opportunity for all PVYO members to take part in the annual adjudicated competition.

William Hollin, Music Director Emeritus

During the period from 2004 to 2010, consecutive Music Directors John Nardillo, Glenn S. Quader, and Dr. William R. Wright continued to enhance the organization’s music opportunities by expanding the concerto competition divisions to grades 8–11 and initiating music partnerships with professional and other youth orchestras, including with the National Symphony Orchestra. In 2010, we welcomed back Mr. Hollin as PVYO Music Director and Philharmonia Conductor, until his 2024 retirement from PVYO and transition to Music Director Emeritus.

Last season, PVYO welcomed long-time Wind Ensemble conductor Terry Alvey as Music Director, Jon Eising as Wind Ensemble Conductor and Kristi Licare as Concert Band Conductor. In addition, we implemented the PVYO Student Leadership Program and started the PVYO North Orchestra. For the 2025-2026 season, we welcome Dr. Patrycja Pieczara to the podium as the new PVYO Philharmonia Conductor!