YOPBC Musicians
Now in our 14th season, the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County continues to fulfill our mission by expanding programming to reach out to even more young musicians. Established in 1993 through a project of the Junior League of Boca Raton to provide youth orchestra opportunities in Palm Beach County, the Youth Orchestra premiered as the Palm Beach County String Preparatory Orchestra and the Palm Beach County Youth Honors Orchestra in “Spotlight on Young Musicians” on May 7, 1994, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. Palm Beach County Youth Symphony Orchestras, Inc. incorporated in June 1994 upon receipt of a substantial Corporate Presenting Sponsorship from JM Family Enterprises, Inc., which allowed organizing efforts to move forward. In 1997, to emphasize our commitment to youth, the Board of Directors voted to change our name to the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County, Inc. which continues as an on-going youth orchestra program comprised of nearly 200 students in three orchestras and several chamber groups, a community outreach program a summer pops orchestra and an orchestra summer camp.
Youth Orchestra History
The Board of Directors, Parent Association and Artistic Staff of the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County are committed to providing professional training in all aspects of this program with minimal cost to the young musicians. Annual tuition fees represent approximately one-third of all program costs for each young musician. The Music Director, Conductors, Professional Soloists and Special Artists, as well as the Artistic and Chamber Coaches receive compensation as independent contractors. In 1996 upon receipt of a grant from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, YOPBC hired a part-time Executive Director and due to the tremendous growth of the organization, has since divided the administrative responsibilities between a Managing Director and Development Director. All other aspects of the program are coordinated and executed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and Parent Association. Currently, the organization’s administrative offices are located at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts within The Picower Foundation Arts Education Center, with weekly rehearsals taking place at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.
Philharmonic Orchestra - Wendell Simmons, Music Director/Conductor
The Philharmonic Orchestra is a full orchestra for musicians of advanced musical ability that performs professional-level music.
Symphony Orchestra - Manuel Capote, Conductor
The Symphony Orchestra provides intermediate musicians the opportunity to perform in a full orchestra.
String Orchestra – Susan Rodberg, Conductor
The String Orchestra offers orchestral experience for young string players. It fosters development of basic music reading skills and the ability to work with a conductor.