WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra is a world-class ensemble-based educational institution serving gifted young musicians throughout the Delaware Valley; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra was founded in 1939 as a small, volunteer-based program; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra provides several professional-caliber educational programs to nearly 600 students ranging from 6 to 21 years old; and
WHEREAS, Programs vary on skill and specialty and include: The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, The Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra, The Philadelphia Young Musicians Orchestra, Bravo Brass, and the Philadelphia Region Youth String Music; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, in 2010, The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra established an after school program, Tune Up Philly, which serves local students from disadvantaged economic and social circumstances; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra can largely be attributed its strong and steady leadership; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra has only had five musical directors in its 80 years of operation; and
WHEREAS, The current director, Louis Scaglione, took the reigns in 1997 and continues to serve as the musical director in addition to his role as the organization’s President; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra has produced world-renowned musicians that can be found across the country’s most prestigious orchestras; and
WHEREAS, Twelve alumni of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra currently play with The Philadelphia Orchestra; and
WHEREAS, Alumni often stay involved with the organization to give back and develop the next generation of local talent; and
WHEREAS, Due to generations of hard work and dedication, and its guiding values of excellence, transformative education, and access, The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra’s has blossomed into one of the nation’s premiere youth orchestras; and
WHEREAS, On its 80th Anniversary, we recognize the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra’s contributions to local youth, the preservation of classical music, and celebrate its bright future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors the 80th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra.
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