Since 2002, the Aiken Center for the Arts has supported the development of the Aiken Youth Orchestra (AYO), which gives over 50 area students the opportunity to participate in a strings and orchestral program.
 Auditions are held twice per year with the program expanding to include many different instruments. Many of the Aiken Youth Orchestra's participants continue their musical careers in college and beyond. The Youth orchestra auditions are open to all students with at least one year experience on their instrument. Orchestras meet on Tuesday evenings at the Arts Center.
Concerts are held several times per year with special appearances are made at Hopeland Gardens during their free summer concert series, the Etheredge Center prior to the Symphony Augusta performances, Aikens' Makin', the Augusta Lynx Games and various other community events.
The fall season concludes with a concert at the Arts Center. This year the orchestras will be under the direction of Joe Laorenza and Angela Shaw. Mr. Laorenza, the former music director at Aiken High School, brings many years of music experience to the youth orchestra program. Ms. Shaw holds a B.A. in Music and teaches strings in the Aiken-Augusta area. Both instructors have worked closely with the orchestras in recent years.
Fall Placement Auditions
Saturday, August 27 … 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, August 30 … 6-8 p.m.
Any new or returning student should plan to audition. An audition time may be reserved by calling the Arts Center (803) 641-9094. Appointments are not required, but walk-ins will be worked in around scheduled appointments.
New concert dates coming soon.
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