Alaska Youth Orchestras begins a new chapter in the 2024-25 season. After three seasons of leadership, Dr. Bruce Wood is retiring from his position as AYO’s Music Director.
“Working with young musicians has been a joy of mine for a long time,” says Dr. Wood. “It has been wonderful to see the growth of AYO these last three years. My hope is that these orchestras will continue to develop and give beautiful musical opportunities to generations of students.” Dr. Wood leaves his role with AYO on June 30th.
Dr. Wood assumed AYO’s musical and artistic leadership in Fall of 2021, on the heels of the pandemic. AYO had only just returned to the stage for its first in-person concert at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. With his musical skill and educational experience, Dr. Wood led AYO’s efforts to support and revitalize music education and performance in the Anchorage community. Leading AYO’s flagship ensemble, the Anchorage Youth Symphony, through three seasons of exceptional concerts, Dr. Wood was also instrumental in the success of AYO’s Symphony School program, which now welcomes over 80 young musicians grades 4-12 every Fall and Spring.
“We are grateful for Dr. Wood’s leadership, and his dedication to AYO and our young musicians,” says Nate Berry, AYO Board President. “Thanks to his efforts, our ensembles have continued to grow and thrive following the challenges of the pandemic. At every step of the way, Dr. Wood’s commitment not just to the music, but to the experience of each individual musician in our ensembles, has been remarkable. Dr. Wood leaves an impactful legacy that will be looked upon fondly by all of us here at AYO.”
A Note from the AYO Board of Directors
The AYO Board of Directors has begun a transition process and is committed to maintaining the high level of artistic and musical leadership that Dr. Wood has established for AYO in the Anchorage arts community.
AYO is now accepting applications for the position of Principal Conductor, to lead the Anchorage Youth Symphony during its 2024-25 Season. This interim appointment will be followed by a search for AYO’s next Music Director, with a tenure to begin in the 2025-26 Season.
Interested candidates may find more information at: www.alaskayouthorchestras.org/employment/