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Welcome to the brand new website of the All American Youth in Concert! Feel free to look around - and don’t forget to check out the Directors’ Blog!
AAYC is an annual summer touring ensemble providing accomplished youth band and orchestra musicians opportunities to practice their art at some of the most exciting venues of the world while experiencing culture in the great cities of Europe. These outstanding youth band and orchestras have been highly praised by critics and educators throughout America and Europe. AAYC is conducted by Music Director Dr. William H. Silvester and special guest conductors.
The best way to explain this organization’s philosophy is to quote Dr. Silvester:
When I was a senior in high school, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Europe with a high school honors band. That experience many years ago was one of the most important and rewarding opportunities of my life - musically, educationally and socially. It was like the world suddenly opened up to me and came alive with places and things I had only read about, and there I was experiencing them personally. At the time I was very nervous and knew no one, but within ten minutes I met people who became close friends for life. I returned often to Europe, even living there several years, but that first time will always remain the most treasured.
- AAYC Performing in Milano
Since that first tour, I always had the desire to provide the same experiences for others. With over forty years as a music educator in Utah, Arizona, California and New Jersey, thousands of young people have had the opportunity to feel as I did that first time.
My opportunities to enjoy music with young people on a daily basis are rewarding, but nothing like performing for the Pope at Rome, St. Martin-in-the-Fields at London, the Acropolis in Athens, Wembley Hall in London, or the State Opera House in Vienna with the All American Youth in Concert. Imagine performing in the very same locations as Mozart, Beethoven or Dvorak! I hope you will take a serious look at AAYC and join us this year for the experience of a lifetime!
Please browse our site to find more information about AAYC and the history of this program, view our trip itinerary this year for Poland and Berlin and check out photos and videos from past music trips. During the trip itself, please take a minute each day to browse our interactive blog for daily posts and pictures from Dr. Silvester and other staff members!
Stars and Stripes Forever performed by AAYC