2017-18 Annual Report

Annual Report

2017-18 Season

Each year the LYO reflects on the season just ended to ensure that it accomplished the objectives set forth in our strategic plan and supported our mission to, "provide a musical experience of the highest quality for all dedicated young musicians and to provide artful and meaningful education programs for young audiences throughout our diverse communities regardless of race, creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or economic circumstances.

The 2017-18 season was distinguished by outstanding performances and several important community activities:

November 12, 2017

November 19, 2017

November 20, 2017

December 17, 2017

February 7, 2018

March 3, 2018

March 4, 2018

March 18, 2018

April 29, 2018

Iconic Impressions

Classical Concert Series

Great Beginnings

Classical Concert Series

Faraway Places
Discovery Concert Series

LY Ho-Ho-Ho
Pops Concert Series

Gheens Great Expectations
Discovery Concert Series

Musical Storytelling

Classical Concert Series

Myths and Legends

Classical Concert Series

Epic Heros
Classical Concert Series

And They’re Off!
Pops Concert Series

Season opener at the Brown Theater for an audience of more than 500 people.

Concert at Highland Middle School in the Deer Park neighborhood. More than 500 people were in attendance.

Free concert for more than 1,300 middle school students at the Brown Theater. Educational syllabus provided to teachers.

.A Holiday concert at the Youth Performing Arts School featuring seasonal music with broad public appeal.

A free concert at Whitney Hall with the LYO playing side-by-side with the Louisville Orchestra. Sponsored by the Gheens Foundation.

Concert at North Oldham High School attracting concertgoers from Oldham County.

A classical concert at Brown Theater.

A free public concert at the Iroquois Amphitheater featuring all LYO ensembles as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Following our remarkable 2017-2018 season the LYO was pleased to announce Jason Hougland as Conductor of the Repertory Orchestra. As the Horizons instrumental ensembles continue to grow the LYO was also delighted to welcome two remarkable new Coaches: Dave Clark (single reeds) and Briston Hatchell (brass).

Thanks to the generosity of Barbara Sexton Smith we were also able to announce a new Presto! Strings class at Byck Elementary School.

The 2017-18 season was highly successful in terms of artistic accomplishment, community impact, and financial performance. Total income was $383,043 and total expenses were $373,960. Most importantly, 84% of income went directly to education and production. Ending net assets were $412,684.

The Louisville Youth Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) organization and our Federal Tax ID is 61-0597184. We file an IRS Form 990 and conduct an audit each year, both of which can be viewed on Guidestar. The LYO has met the Better Business Bureau’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability and is a BBB Accredited Charity.

We are extremely grateful to all those who make the LYO possible:

Our patrons who support our programming and enable us to ensure that there are no financial barriers to membership.
The families who tirelessly support the development of our members and the operations of our organization.
The private teachers and school music programs that nurture the training of our members and their enthusiasm for orchestral music.
Our incredible staff: Melody Welsh, Executive Director; Doug Elmore, Music Director; and all the talented people who conduct and support our remarkable young musicians.
Our Board of Directors for their dedication, insight, and contributions to the success of our organization.

It was a memorable year and we look forward to another stunning season next year!