The mission of The Altoona Symphony’s Education & Community Program is to provide a supplemental resource for music learning and listening. Our goal is to offer affordable, accessible and adequate programs that will help ensure the future of music performance & education within our community and the surrounding region.
We’re accomplishing this mission through innovative and exceptional education and community engagement programs.
Our programs for schools educate and strengthen our next generation resulting in a creative workforce.
Our programs for families foster a shared sense of community around the joy of music.
Our sponsors for these tremendous programs include the T. Dean Lower and Jane Young Lower Trust, Sheetz, Inc., The Wolf Kuhn Foundation, Bruce and Susan Brower, and Stephen and Nancy Sheetz.
The Altoona Youth Orchestra was created to enhance the lives of student string musicians in the Central PA community by providing dynamic musical experiences, fostering collaboration, confidence, and personal responsibility through the pursuit of artistic excellence. This ensemble is open to string students in grades 9-12 and will rehearse Monday evenings from 6PM-8PM during the summer, alternating between both Altoona and Hollidaysburg Senior High Schools. The AYO is under the direction of Mrs. Stephanie Everett (Hollidaysburg Area High School) and Mrs. Kelly Detwiler (Altoona Area High School)
Call the ASO office for more information! 814-943-2500
The ASO Lessons Program offers children in grades 4-12 the opportunity to begin music lessons with a certified instructor and professional symphony musician. The student can choose any orchestral instrument, and if selected, the ASO Educational Fund will allow the student to take lessons for a full school year for free. The program runs from September to May each school year.
Applications have closed for the 23-24 school year, but be sure to check back in June 2024 for an application.
