Quincy Area Youth Orchestra

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

Performances

Heroic Vision
Quincy Symphony Orchestra
Guests: Quincy Area Youth Orchestra
Young Artists Concert

2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026
QJHS Morrison Theater

Balmages     Uplifted

Vangelis/Manchini     Chariots of Fire

Goldsmith     Hoosiers Suite

Rabin     Remember the Titans

The Quincy Area Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Richard Cangro joins the QSO for a side-by-side performance of Brian Balmages' Uplifted. The concert will also feature winners of the Young Artists Competition. In its 71st year, the competition is open to area 10th-12th grade musicians.

$15 Seniors, $18 other adults. Children under 18 admitted free.

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Spring Concert
Quincy Area Youth Orchestra
Richard M. Cangro, conductor

7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026

Baldwin School Auditorium
30th & Maine St., Quincy, IL

Korsakov     Russian Easter Overture

Lucas     Tatarian Dances

Arr. Meyer     Themes from "Scheherazade"

Borodin     In the Steppes of Central Asia

Mussorgsky     Pictures at an Exhibition

Shostakovich     Finale from Symphony No. 5, Op 47

Admission is free – donations to the QAYO are encouraged.

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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.

Registration:  Students will submit a Registration Form and tuition payment after being accepted into the ensemble.

QAYO Downloads

QAYO Rehearsal Schedule

QAYO Brochure

QAYO Audition Instructions

This program was made possible by Encore! Symphony Volunteer Council and grants from the Marion Gardner Jackson Charitable Trust, Bank of America N.A., Trustee, the Illinois Arts Council state agency, the Tracy Family Foundation, the Michelmann Foundation, the J.W. Gardner II Foundation, and the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund of the Community Foundation.