Making music since 1972.
Our mission is to give student musicians from southern, midcoast, and central Maine the unique opportunity to play in an orchestra under professional direction. The Maine Youth Orchestra is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, which raises nearly 50% of its yearly budget through member dues and is supported by a combination of tuition, grants, and donations.
Our History
Originally the Brunswick Regional Youth Orchestra, this organization was founded in 1972 with the help of the late Professor Robert Beckwith of Bowdoin College and an initial grant from the Maine State Commission for the Arts and Humanities. The Orchestra was incorporated in 1974 and is managed by a volunteer board of directors. The Maine Youth Orchestra is one of the oldest youth orchestras in the state and is the only organization which offers each senior student a chance at playing a concerto. This educational challenge in a nurturing environment is unique to this orchestra.
Pandemic Pivot
When the COVID-19 pandemic began in spring of 2020, the Maine Youth Orchestra pivoted to virtual rehearsals and sectionals. Students continued to receive instruction and coaching from our team, and were able to continue to gather together for music and learning opportunities, despite the challenges of remote learning.
2021 and Beyond
We are glad to be back to rehearsing and performing in-person once more as of fall of 2021, and grateful to our conductor, coaches, families, and students for their flexibility throughout the pandemic. In December 2021, we held a joyful concert at St. John’s in Brunswick to celebrate our first semester of rehearsing together in-person in over a year.