The Quincy Area Youth Orchestra joined QSOA in 1993. QAYO attracts junior and senior high school students from the tri-state area of Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. QAYO rehearses weekly during the school year, mostly on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons.
To be eligible for QAYO membership, students need to meet the following criteria:
1. Participate in their school ensemble
2. Have at least three years playing experience
3. Be in grades 7-12 (6th grade students with three years’ experience may apply)
4. Have a successful audition
Everyone auditions each year for the orchestra, even previous members. Tuition for the year is $75, with a discount for siblings. Tuition is free for families with significant financial need. More detailed information may be found on the QAYO Brochure, or call 217-222-2856 or e-mail us at [email protected].
Quincy Area Youth Orchestra Conductor
Richard M. Cangro
Quincy Area Youth Orchestra Conductor
Performances
Adventures & Explorations
Quincy Symphony Orchestra
Guests: Quincy Area Youth Orchestra
Young Artists Concert
2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025
QJHS Morrison Theater
Day Danza del Sol
Mindeman La Cueva del Milodón
Kodály Háry János Suite
The Quincy Area Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Richard Cangro joins the QSO for a side-by-side performance of Danza del Sol. The concert will also feature winners of the Young Artists Competition. In its 70th year, the competition is open to area 10th-12th grade musicians.
$15 Seniors, $18 other adults. Children under 18 admitted free.
Spring Concert
Quincy Area Youth Orchestra
Richard M. Cangro, conductor
7:00 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2025
Baldwin School Auditorium
30th & Maine St., Quincy, IL
Balmages Opening Night
Dvořák American Suite
Stravinsky Berceuse and Finale from "The Firebird"
Anderson Blue Tango
Bernstein Magnificent Seven
Admission is free – donations to the QAYO are encouraged.
Auditions
All musicians must audition each year for the QAYO. Auditions will be done virtually by submitting a video link to Dr. Cangro. Audition requirements are specified in the “QAYO Auditions Instructions” document below. Membership is limited. Submit video auditions by October 1, 2024.
Registration: Students will submit a Registration Form and tuition payment after being accepted into the ensemble.
QAYO musicians enjoy participating in the Heart of Illinois Youth Orchestra Festival with others from around the state.
QAYO Downloads
Richard Cangro with QAYO Seniors
This program was made possible by Encore! Symphony Volunteer Council and grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, the Tracy Family Foundation, the Michelmann Foundation, and the J.W. Gardner II Foundation.
The QAYO rehearsing side-by-side with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra.
