All orchestras and ensembles in performance / Iroquois Amphitheater / April 30, 2023
Our 65tH
Season
2020-2021 Annual Report
The Louisville Youth Orchestra Board of Directors and Staff are proud to have completed an engaging and educational season of safe music making for our students during the 2020-2021 season. The LYO began the year with virtual auditions for the first time ever and established board-approved Reopening Plan and Playing Safe protocols. This included weekly temperature checks before rehearsals or concerts, performance masks, bell covers, and distancing. Due to changes in available rehearsal venues and impacted enrollment numbers, the LYO reshaped its ensemble offerings to the following:
Renaissance Orchestra – conducted by LYO Music Director Doug Elmore, with staff conductor Ian Elmore
Camerata Orchestra – conducted by Chris Lerner
Esprit Orchestra – conducted by Robert Dixon
Horizons Winds – conducted by Brandon Bell
Horizons Brass – conducted by John Little
Percussion Ensemble – conducted by Mark Tate
While concert activities may have looked different during this pandemic year, the activities of the LYO still supported our central 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 2020–2021 season was distinguished by several outstanding distanced performances which were primarily video recorded. No concert tickets were sold during the 2020-2021 season.
November 15, 2020
December 13, 2020
March 7, 2021
March 14, 2021
April 25, 2021
Great Struggles, Great Triumphs
Classical Concert Series
Mistletoe, Merriment, and Miracles
Pops Concert Series
American Masters
Classical Concert Series
Old and New Friends
Classical Concert Series
And They’re Off!
Pops Concert Series
Season opener performed privately at the Marriott East featuring Renaissance and Camerata Orchestras
A holiday concert performed privately at the Marriott East featuring Camerata and Espirit Orchestras, Horizons Winds and Brass, and Percussion Ensemble
A spring performance performed privately at the Marriott East featuring Horizons Winds and Brass and Percussion Ensemble
A spring performance performed privately at the Marriott East featuring Renaissance Orchestra with student soloist Olivia Hodge (violinist), special guest Christian Howes (Emmy Award-winning violinist), Camerata Orchestra with student soloist Meg Martin (violinist), and Espirit Orchestra.
A free public concert at Floyd Central High School for more than 1,000 in attendance featuring all ensembles. This concert also paid tribute to retiring Executive Director Melody Welsh for her 35 years of dedication to the Louisville Youth Orchestra and its mission.
The LYO also offered masterclass and special learning opportunities to its students in the for the 2020-2021 season. These included workshops with:
Susan Rider (trumpet) from the United States Marine Band "The President's Own"
Brian Smith (bass) from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Christian Howes (violin), Emmy Award-winning performer and presenter
LYO staff member John Little also led 9-week online courses in music theory.
During the 2020-2021 season the LYO welcomed Ian Elmore as Conductor of the Renaissance Orchestra winds, Robert Dixon as Conductor of the Espirit Orchestras, having moved into the role from his previous role with the LYO as Presto! Strings instructor. The LYO was also pleased to welcome Brandon Bell as Ensemble Coach of the Horizons Winds Ensemble. LYO administrative staff also saw some changes; former LYO Music Librarian Amy Noon accepted the role of LYO Business Manager, and the organization welcomed April Dannelly-Schenck as Co-Music Librarian/Site Manager, along with Josh Nowacki in a newly developed role as Assistant Site Manager/Health and Safety Officer.
The 2020-21 season was highly successful in terms of artistic accomplishment and educational merit, serving a need for musical connection in many students whose musical offerings were significantly altered elsewhere. With lower enrollment and without ticket revenue, the LYO's financial performance was impacted. Total income was $281,555 (down 23.5% from the previous season) and total expenses were $274,072. Educational programming and production costs made up 79% of total LYO expenses. Ending net assets were $435,497.
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. These individuals, families, and organizations provide crucial support to ensure the success of our programming. Please see the 2020-2021 LYO Patrons list below.
-
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, newly retired 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 remarkably successful year despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. We look forward to another memorable and meaningful season next year!
2020-2021 LYO Patrons
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.