Akiko Fujimoto, Music Director and Symphony Orchestra Conductor
Karey Sitzler, String Orchestra Conductor

The Williamsburg Youth Orchestra was established in 1995 by local musicians and parents to give area students the opportunity to play in a full orchestra. Thanks to support from arts commissions and private and corporate donations, WYO has expanded to include a string orchestra, a chamber music program and a summer camp, in addition to its full orchestra. The WYO Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ms. Fujimoto, remains the only full orchestral experience available to school-age music students in the Williamsburg area. The WYO String Orchestra, conducted by Ms. Sitzler, builds ensemble and playing skills. The WYO Symphony Strings, also conducted by Ms. Sitzler, provides an extra challenge for students preparing for the full orchestra. These groups perform a minimum of three concerts together each season.

WYO Mission Statement

The mission of the Williamsburg Youth Orchestras is to help talented and motivated young musicians in the region develop their full potential as orchestra performers by providing them with the music education programs and performance opportunities that they need. To meet its mission, the WYO has the following goals:

• to bring together the finest young musicians from the area to rehearse and perform under the leadership of excellent conductors and section coaches;
• to further students' appreciation and understanding of music by rehearsing and performing different styles of classical and contemporary literature;
• To support, extend, and enhance local school music programs, as well as to provide home school students with an opportunity to participate in an orchestra;
• To provide experience rehearsing and performing with different types of ensembles; and
• To develop a large and appreciative community audience for WYO concerts.