York Youth Symphony Orchestra

Mission

The York Youth Symphony Orchestra has added a sparkling dimension to York’s cultural scene ever since its first concert in the spring of 1957.

A. Reginald Fink, its first conductor, was followed by Holman James, George Waldman, James Christian Pfohl, Madilyn Klepper, Catherine Overhauser, Dr. Robert Hart Baker, Wayne Allen Romer, Gregory Woodbridge – all with the special talent for eliciting the best performances from their young musicians.

With the retirement of Mr. Woodbridge in 2018, the YYSO began its 63rd season with a new conductor, Maestro Brian Buterbaugh. Prior to being selected as the 10th conductor in the organization’s 62-year history, he served as assistant conductor and interim conductor.

Prior to the 2019-2020 school year, Mr. Buterbaugh was appointed as the new director for the award-winning Hershey High School and Hershey Middle School orchestras in the Derry Township School District. In this capacity, he directs two high school orchestras, three middle school orchestras, and the all-student musical pit orchestra. Prior teaching engagements include orchestra director at Cedar Cliff High School and orchestra/choir director at Spring Grove Area High School. His students have reached every level of the PMEA circuit – Districts, Regions, and States, in addition to NAfME All-Eastern and All-National ensembles. He received an ACCLAIM award for his teaching in the 2017-2018 school year.

Just as each previous conductor has brought new challenges and achievements to the orchestra–e.g. Dr. Baker and the Heinz Hall and Carnegie Hall performances, and Wayne Romer with his visionary and highly successful collaborative concerts–the YYSO looks forward to new traditions and old friends.

The Orchestra, a charter member of the Cultural Alliance of York, is governed by a Board of Directors composed of music educators and interested members of the community. It arranges the concerts, organizes fundraising events and provides service and support as needed to keep this successful organization running smoothly.

The YYSO is comprised of approximately 90 musicians in grades 9-12, representing 15 public school districts and private schools, as well as home schooled students from York County and beyond.

Auditions are held annually. Students desiring to become a member of the orchestra, including all current members, must audition each year. Rehearsals are held on Saturday mornings from September through May. Three public concerts are presented each year. A Concerto Competition for the orchestra members is held each fall. The orchestra member who is awarded first place performs their selection with the orchestra in the spring concert.

Today, many YYSO alumni are pursing a variety of musical careers in conducting, composing, performing on all levels, and especially, educating the next generations of musicians and aficionados. One highlight of the 50th anniversary was the performance of “Jubilee,” a board-commissioned piece composed and orchestrated by Chris Massa, a YYSO alumnus.

Having celebrated its 50th anniversary, the YYSO is proud to have reached this important milestone. Looking ahead to the celebration of its 100th anniversary, the YYSO is planning now to ensure that the organization will endure and prosper. The goal remains the same— to increase opportunities for young, talented, orchestral musicians in the greater York area to develop their skills and perform for live audiences through participation in an exceptional orchestral experience. The YYSO has been, and will continue to be, that exceptional experience.

Some of the critical components to the continuing success of the YYSO are: enhancing the dedication and effectiveness of the Board of Directors, strengthening the commitment of the orchestra members, increasing revenues, maintaining and growing the endowment fund, and expanding the awareness of the YYSO in the region through cooperation and the collaborative efforts of the Cultural Alliance of York and its members.