Annual AMERICAN Report YOUTH 2015/16 SYMPHONY Concert Season Come as your are. Leave Inspired.

New Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director! Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters I am incredibly honored and excited to become Orchestra, to name a few. And it is because of this the next Music Director of the American Youth belief that I cherish the opportunity to contribute Symphony, an ensemble with a deep history and to the future of classical music by taking what I view a bright future in the great city of . as the natural next step in the progression of my journey and my life -- the American Youth Symphony. I come to AYS as a dedicated musician who after years of experience as a regular guest I am thrilled to begin guiding our musicians both conductor across five continents, a concert cellist, off-stage and on for my inaugural concert season in and a composer, looks forward to working with 2016/17. Featuring several major classical works, the today’s most talented young musicians. I’m also repertoire prepares AYS musicians for the demands the Music Director of the Alabama Symphony of a 21st century professional orchestra. Such giants Orchestra, a husband, and father of three little kids. as Mozart and Korngold need no introduction, and I am particularly excited to kick off the season Having grown up in Caracas in a musical household has with Mahler’s Symphony No.1 on October 16 and to certainly been instrumental in my choice to become join electric-guitar icon Steve Vai on-stage at Walt both a musician and a passionate advocate of the Disney Concert Hall on March 11 for a concert that arts. My father is a respected conductor and music features Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring! Whether educator in Venezuela and my mother is an artistic you’re a dyed-by-the-wool aficionado or a classical administrator and fundraiser. They encouraged me music newcomer, a fan of music in general or even from an early age to work hard as a musician, but also a videogamer (check out what we have planned to experience the world and see how the arts have for February 12!), there is something for audiences been an instrument for positive change. When I heard across all music backgrounds this concert season. about AYS and its longstanding commitment to culture and social outreach, I knew it would be a unique Every bright future is built on a solid foundation, and it opportunity to continue Maestro ’s mission. is in that spirit that we share this Annual Report and our many success during the 2015/16 concert season. As AYS is a place for great musical talents to unite and a valued member and contributor to our community, experience the high demands of the professional please know that it is through your support of and world while forging lifelong friendships in a highly belief in our mission that we are able to mentor the competitive environment. The talent, focus, and musical minds of tomorrow and to put a rich, beautiful precision of AYS musicians have moved me beyond art form within reach of all audiences. Together, we words. Their spirit and tenacity, their musical vivacity, have made the American Youth Symphony a truly and the fresh perspective they take to their exploration inspirational force in the world of classical music. of riveting orchestral works inspire and invigorate classical music audiences new and seasoned alike. Please take a moment to read through our annual As an elite Fellowship training orchestra that fosters report so that you may better understand the enriching mentorship relationships, AYS and I share a remarkable impact that your generosity has had. firm belief in the familial responsibility that binds each successive cohort of musicians and our community. It With sincerest gratitude, is because of this belief in a musical family that I have worked tirelessly to support the next generation of musicians by having collaborated with leading music education institutions such as Venezuela’s El Sistema, Colombia’s National Youth Symphony, Brazil’s Neojiba, Carlos Izcaray Interlochen Center for the Arts, Cambridge University Music Director Music Society, and London Schools Symphony

New Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director! Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters WHO WE The American Youth Symphony’s mission is to inspire the future of classical music. We share exceptional, innovative concerts based on our landmark Fellowship program for musicians ages 15-27 for free or significantly reduced admission. Competitively selected, our orchestra is comprised of 100 musicians who represent extraordinary talent from all over the ARE world. By gifting our community with remarkable concerts at world-class venues, we remain committed to creating access and opportunity for everyone to experience the inspiration of this beautiful art form. WHAT WE BELIEVE Access to world-class classical music Fellowship should be based solely on merit, not financial means. Exceptional quality orchestral performances should be accessible to all members of thecommunity. Classical music is not only alive and vibrant, but is relevant to all audiences. Musicians have a responsibility to be engaged citizens in the communities they serve.

New Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director! Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters Share-A-Stand The American Youth Symphony’s in-school music and mentoring program is now serving twice as many schools, and three times as many students! From performance technique to theory to composition, Share-A-Stand provides students with hands-on musical instruction and is offered at such Title 1 LAUSD schools as Markham Middle School in Watts and Robert Frost Middle School in Granada Hills. AYS musicians mentor Share-A-Stand participants on everything from how to hold a bow and maintain a successful practice routine to how to analyze favorite songs. In addition to a culminative concert given at the Share-A-Stand host school and featuring a side-by-side with AYS musicians, the program provides participants and their families with free transportation to two AYS concerts per season. The Orchestra The American Youth Symphony is a musical laboratory where Fellows not only master their parts and develop a deep understanding of musical scores, but also explore their role as musician citizens within their community. With a 10% acceptance rate and an average of three audition attempts per musician, positions in the AYS orchestra are extremely competitive. Fellows represent between 25-35 different schools and provide 8 concerts per season between September and May. Each Fellow receives a tuition-free scholarship and a per- concert stipend, performs at renowned venues such as and Walt Disney Concert Hall, and works alongside world-class guest artists such as Daníel Bjarnason, Anna Clyne, , , , , , Charles Fox, and Lera Auerbach.

New Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director! Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters From exclusive Members’ Priority performances. ...to post-concert Members’ Priority Concert, May 7 2016 Members’ Priority Concert reception, May 7 2016 receptions.

From themed, pre-concert ...to dinners... live-to-picture movie events.

Hollywood Project dinner, September 27, 2015 Star Trek Into Darkness Live-to-Picture, September 27, 2015

From intimate Q&A’s with award- winning composers...... to

Pre-concert Q&A with composer Michael Giacchino, September 27, 2015 51st Annual Gala, April 1, 2016 annual galas... AYS concertgoers know how to have a good time!

New Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director! Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters TTAL AL NT SVATNS (NT SASNS 20121 20116) 12000 (10, 527)* (9,518) 10000 (9,235) 1,954 unique accounts 52% increase 1,745 unique accounts 8000

6000 (5,002) 100 of Sept 2 postconcert surey respondents indicated that they would consider returning for a future AS performance 4000 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

22% 20% 53% of 2015/16 51% of audience 53% of 2015-16 30% members during the 30% audience members 7/8 (88%) 2015/16 concert season concert season identified as P.O.C. of concerts sold out were years of age 47% audience members under 40 45% Asian, Pacific Islander during the Under 30 years of age were first-time Black, African American 53% 2015-16 season 30-39 years of age classical concert Hispanic, Latino (based on ticket 40-59 years of age attendees Multiracial 2% reservations) Over 59 years of age (via data from online White, Caucasian 29% surveys) 12% 21% 88% 11%

New Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director! Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters STATMNT F FNANAL PSTN LIABILITIES FY 14/15 FY 13/14 Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses $9,512 $26,988 Line of Credit $17,045 ASSETS FY 14/15 FY 13/14 Cash and Cash Equivalents $156,505 $69,154 TOTAL LIABILITIES $9,512 $44,033 Investments $103,692 $103,311 Contributions Recievable, Net $434,600 $440,729 NET ASSETS FY 14/15 FY 13/14 Other Recievables $800 $1,125 Unrestricted $159,426 $26,639 Other Assets $2,707 $2,564 Temporarily Restricted $438,292 $449,964 Equipment, Net $8,926 $3,753 Permanently Restricted $100,000 $100,000 TOTAL ASSETS $707,230 $620,363 TOTAL NET ASSETS $697,718 $576,603 TOTAL LIABILITIES & ASSETS $707,230 $620,636 AN VN PNSS F2012F201 SS F VN (F201)

FM STATMNT F FNANAL PSTN 22%

1,100,000 Individual Contributions Government Income $1,043,574 37% $1,043,955 Tot a l Revenue Expenses Corporate Grants Earned Income 4% (excluding interest/ Foundation Grants Events 2% dividend income, 1,000,000 investment losses) $922,225$922,840 1% 900,000 PAMS 34% $804,393 AMNSTATV STS 800,000 (F201) 20% $680,660 700,000 $674,446$653,837 $628,584 Program Services $922,840 Tot a l 600,000 Administrative and Fundraising Costs

80% 500,000 2012 2013 2014 2015

New Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director! Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters In addition to the numerous alumni who have matriculated into esteemed higher education institutions in recent years, such as the Curtis Institute of Music, the Julliard School and Yale, we celebrate these recent, incredible accomplishments: Former AYS timpanist Ben Adler (Clarinetist 2014 - 2015) - Steven Logan was Milwaukee Symphony, Assistant Principal, 2nd and E-flat Clarinet recently named Principal Timpani with Nigel Armstrong (Concertmaster, 2009 – 2011) – the Aukland Santa Cruz Symphony, Concertaster Philharmonia Orchestra! Stefani Feldman (Clarinetist 2014 - 15) – 2016 Fulbright Scholar Congratulations Steven! And bon voyage! Matthew Howard (Percussionist 2009 - 2012) - , Principal Percussion

Philip Marten (Concertmaster 2015 - 2016) – Kansas City Symphony, First Violin

Simone Porter (Violin, 2011 - 2013) – 2015 Avery Fisher Career Grant

Katie Velasquez (Flute, 2015-2016) – Midland Odessa Symphony, Principal Flute Current members and alumni have also won numerous competitions, including the Fischoff Competition, Irving M. Klein International String Competition, Sphinx Compeition, and the Tchaikovsky International Competition.

“Performing with the American Youth Symphony was an experience I will always take with me wherever I go. When I think back on my time playing in the orchestra, my first thought is of how emotional each performance was. Anything in life is at its highest emotional state when being experienced for the first time, and with the age of the players of the orchestra, each concert is a first time opportunity. The competitiveness of the audition process and the age of the musicians guarantees you will take part in a performance that marries masterful playing with youthful excitement. Coming to an American Youth Symphony concert offers a one of a kind take on works you may have heard many times before and an inspired introduction to those that you haven’t.” AYS musicians, including soloist and alumnus Simone Porter, perform alongside Mo. Gustavo Dudamel at the AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards, May 2016 --Steven Logan, timpanist (2013 - 2016)

New Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director! Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters YOUR “gorgeous” “stirring”“stirring” DON’T “gorgeous” “accomplished” “beautiful & “remarkable”“remarkable” “accomplished” “beautiful & “emotional” JUST SUPPORT “emotional” haunting” “top-notch” haunting” “top-notch” TAKE HAS OUR REAL WORD “the finest youth symphony on earth” FOR IMPACT “the finest youth symphony on earth” IT “I had the opportunity to solo with the Paganini concerto [with AYS] when I was “The American Youth Symphony, led by David Alan Miller, gave a remarkable 16... [It] absolutely transformed me as a player and a person.” performance of ‘Heaven Earth Mankind’... they embraced the work’s -- Simone Porter, violin (2011-2013) formidable demands with winning virtuosity, producing rich-hued sonorities.” “I have played in countless orchestras in my life, but none have made me feel as -- The LA Times on sold-out performace at inspired and proud as AYS.” Walt Disney Concert Hall (March 14, 2016) -- Emma McAlliste, violin (2014-present) “A group like AYS has the power to keep music alive.” “Gustavo Dudamel conducted members of the American Youth Symphony in a -- Audience member (September 27, 2015) stirring rendition of Williams’ theme from Schinder’s List.” -- Variety Magazine on AYS tribute “...getting to have such an amazing night out with my husband was such a to John Williams (June 10, 2016) blessing. What you do is amazing! Thank you so much!” -- Audience member (September 27, 2015) “The American Youth Symphony stands high, mastering the challenge of “Thank you AYS for coming. The music was beautiful and you all inspired me to performng film music with all its unconventional meters and rhythms.Don’t want to go to college and study music. You make me want to play music for the be decieved by the label of ‘youth’ orchestra; the AYS is the real deal.” !.” rest of my life -- Justin Craig, Film Score Monthly -- Student (Markham Middle School)

“This is my daughter’s first concert. Mine too. She’s only in kindergarten, but I “[AYS] is the finest youth symphony on Earth.” guess I’ve already given her a better life than I started out with.” -- Jim Svejda, KUSC -- Parent (Transfiguration Elementary School)

New Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director! Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters Executive Music Resident Director Director Conductor Varina Bleil Carlos Izcaray Juan Felipe Molano Board Honorary Chairman Chairman President Emeritus Kevin Dretzka Herbert M. Gelfand Staff Isabel Thiroux, Dir. of Orchestra Operations Alice Dutton, Dir. of Community Engagement Delaney Wessel, Development & Audience Max Mueller, Program Coordinator Relations Coordinator Board of Directors Advisory Council Steven A. Linder, Vice Chairman Sarah Chang Esa-Pekka Salonen David Papale, Treasurer Robert Cutietta Alan Silvestri Peter Mandell, Secretary Sarah Coade Mandell Chad Smith Shoshana Claman Doreen Ringer-Ross Zubin Mehta Jean-Yves Thibaudet Mary Levin Cutler Peter Rotter Deborah Rutter Edward Yim Beverly Gelfand Wendy Ruby David Newman William Sullivan Krystyna Newman

New Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director! Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters THANK YOU Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Niznick Foundations The American Youth Symphony is deeply grateful to Elisa & Michael O’Hara & Corporations our community, including these generous supporters: Mr. & Mrs. Edward M. Ornitz AFM & SAG-AFTRA Fund David Papale The Ahmanson Foundation Warner/Chappell Music Inc. Carol Heather Goldsmith Diane & David Paul Annenberg Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation Annie Gross Bradley & Stephanie Penenberg Richard Handwerger Elizabeth Pitcairn Atlantic Records William Morris Endeavor Gertrude Pomish The Cecile & Fred Bartman Foundation Ruth/Allen Ziegler Foundation Gary Hanel Steven Linder & Michael Hanel Joel Roman BMI Lois Rosen Colburn Foundation Jennifer Hawks Donors $1000+ Marlene & James Henerson Katherine Spillar & Richard The Ray & Wyn Ritchie Evans Foundation Rosenthal Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (The following list recognizes Carol & Warner Henry James Newton Howard Laura & James Rosenwald First 5 LA contributors of $1000 or more Doreen Ringer Ross Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation between the dates of July 1, JoAnn & Charles Kaplan Christina Kenney & Anthony Nesburn Geri Rotella & Peter Rotter Fuller Family Foundation 2014 and July 1, 2016) Marie L. Rourke Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation Joyce Klein Ingrid & Keith Agre Steve Kofsky Cythia Ruby Gold Circle Entertainment LLC Diana K. Ayres Terri & Jerry Kohl Wendy & Keh Ruby Gorfaine Schwartz Agency Ida & Larry Baker Flo Robins & Dolph Kornblum Alizia Gur Schrager The Green Foundation Terry & Lionel Bell Michael Koskoff Maureen & Harry Selvin Hennings-Fischer Foundation Irma & Benjamin Breslauer Sheila Krasnoff Lorraine & Sid Sheinberg Hochberg Family Foundation Linda & Maynard Brittan Alison Liebes Gardner Barry F. Silverman & Diane B. Illumination Entertainment Liza Chasin John Liebes Mandell JHL Foundation Shoshana Claman & Bill Sheinberg Anika Lorber Herb Simon K-Mozart Alisa Coleman Sonia Jean Luna Theodore J. Slavin Kraft-Engel Management Dan Coleman Renee & Meyer Luskin Colette & Michael Spencer Lady’s Secret Foundation Mary Levin Cutler Ginny Mancini Randy Spendlove Liquid Music, Inc. DhunMai & Phiroze Dalal Sarah & Peter Mandell Cameron Strang Los Angeles County Arts Commission Silvia & Kevin Dretzka Ruth Flinkman & Ben Marandy William Sullivan Maria Giacchino Barbara & Lawrence Tenan Marc and Eva Stern Foundation Brittany DuBay Mr. & Mrs. Frederick M. Nicholas Milken Family Foundation Dixie B. Eger Carianne Marshall Maestro & Mrs. Zubin Mehta Isabel Thiroux & Gina Satriano National Endowment for the Arts Maestro & Mrs. Alexander Treger The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Helgard & Irwin Field Leah Mendelsohn Brian Miller Brian Tyler RMALA Larry Field Caron Veazey Savitsky, Satin & Bacon Joan & Charles Fox Stephan Moccio Yvonne Suzette Moriarty Mrs. Lee M. Warner Shapiro Family Charitable Foundation Christine & Thomas Frisina Catherine Weary Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Sanford Gage Lauren & Wally Mueller Ilene & James Nathan Edna Weiss Charles Schwab Bank Lisa & Michael Gaines John Williams Flora L. Thornton Foundation Beverly & Herb Gelfand Margo Neal & LaVern Schenkelberg Michael Giacchino Anthony Nesburn Marilouise & Albert Zager The Charles H. Kaman Charitable Foundation, Inc. Gloria Gold Krystyna & David Newman Marilyn Ziering Rose Hills Foundation Marion Goldenfeld Randy Newman Jennifer Adams Zobelein Universal Studios Elaine & Bram Goldsmith Mr. and Mrs. Frederick M. Nicholas

New Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director! Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters Together... WE DARE TO DREAM BIG ARE GRATEFUL & CELEBRATORY MOVE AUDIENCES INTO ARDENT FANS PROMOTE PROSPERITY INSPIRE SPREAD JOY BREAK INDUSTRY BARRIERS LISTEN & HELP OTHERS ARE FORWARD-THINKING, ENGAGING & INCLUSIVE HONOR INTEGRITY EVOLVE THROUGH LEARNING

Like. Share. Inspire. 5150 Wilshire Blvd #506, Together. AMERICAN YOUTH SYMPHONY Los Angeles, CA 90036 (310) 470-2332 Credits: Kellen Aguilar, design; Philip Holahan, photos (cover, musicians) https://aysymphony.org