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Over this span of time, we have had five conductors, several hundred students and countless volunteers serving as mentors, board members and volunteers to keep this program vital and alive. We provide the youth of Delta, Montrose, Mesa, Ouray and San Juan counties the opportunity to rehearse and perform with a string orchestra (a musical opportunity that is unavailable in most local public schools). Our program grew under the guidance of conductor and violinist, Mrs. Debra TenNapel. Laura Payne took over as conductor in 2022 when Mrs TenNapel moved. Laura has 36 years of experience as an orchestra teacher and plays string bass & piano. Every student who participates in the VYO is required to take private lessons. Tuition is $125 per trimester and scholarships are available based on financial need. VYO offers 3 levels of ensembles and our rehearsal/concert calendar is organized by trimesters. Each trimester has a themed concert as well as a master class. Our master classes feature interactive experiences with local professional musicians, university faculty, and musicians traveling to southwest Colorado to perform for our local communities. We also perform for local elementary schools on a rotating basis the first of December. Our Board and Leadership Team continues to create positive musical experiences for our students. Music is a healthy outlet for students and the VYO provides them a community with shared goals and interests. We hope you will join us in providing a positive orchestral experience to the students in Southwest Colorado.