MCYO has had innumerable honors bestowed upon it, including that of being the first youth orchestra showcased at the Kennedy Center, where it has performed on the Christmas Eve program since 1981. This summer, the Senior Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Olivia W. Gutoff, celebrated the centennial of Johann Strauss by performing his works in his Austrian homeland. They completed a performance and sightseeing tour that took in Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Graz, and included a performance at the fabled Schonbrunn Palace. Back at home, the MCYO makes its mark as members graduate and move on to big things, musically and otherwise. About 10 percent of the orchestra's alumni go on to major in music, some studying at renowned schools of music like Julliard, Curtis, Eastman, Oberlin, New England Conservatory and Peabody.
Some grads go on to make music their career.
Many take their talents to the Ivy League. And just about every student who experiences membership in the Montgomery County Youth Orchestra develops a love of music so deep and strong it lasts an entire lifetime. Practice, practice, practice The senior section of the MCYO is taking its weekly rehearsal. At the podium, Olivia Gutoff reigns. The conductor of the Senior Youth Orchestra for five years now, the University of Florida graduate has been teaching music for 30, and her bands and orchestras consistently receive superior rankings.