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Vivace Youth Orchestras

What we offer the community

Vivace Youth Orchestras are dedicated to inspiring young musicians and enriching our community through exceptional orchestral experiences. By providing opportunities for students to develop their skills and perform symphonic and chamber music, Vivace fosters creativity, discipline and collaboration. These performances bring the joy of live music to audiences and create meaningful connections within the community.
Registration
Chamber Ensemble

If you have played previously in Vivace Youth Orchestra (or the Vivace Orchestra Camp), Utah Valley Symphony, any of the top Lyceum Orchestra/Symphony groups no audition is required, all you need to do is register and pay the $25 registration fee to reserve your spot.

If you have not previously played in one of the listed groups, just create an audition video via YouTube and send us the link when you register: there’s a spot on the registration form to put the link to your video. If you would rather audition in person, send an email to [email protected] to request an audition time, or come join us for a rehearsal to see what it’s like!

Deadline:

February 15

Dates:

August 30
May 13

When:

Wednesdays from 4:30PM to 5:30PM

Where:

Timp Arts Center

Address:

53 W Main St, American Fork, UT 84003

Who:

8-18 years old

Cost:

$315 (prorated for half season)

Performances:

1/27, 3/6-3/7, 5/13
Director
Alexander Willey
Registration
Youth Orchestra

If you have played previously in Vivace Youth Orchestra (or the Vivace Orchestra Camp), Utah Valley Symphony, any of the top Lyceum Orchestra/Symphony groups no audition is required, all you need to do is register and pay the $25 registration fee to reserve your spot.

If you have not previously played in one of the listed groups, just create an audition video via YouTube and send us the link when you register: there’s a spot on the registration form to put the link to your video. If you would rather audition in person, send an email to [email protected] to request an audition time, or come join us for a rehearsal to see what it’s like!

Deadline:

February 15

Dates:

August 30
May 13

When:

Wednesdays from 3:15PM to 5:30PM

Where:

Timp Arts Center

Address:

53 W Main St, American Fork, UT 84003

Who:

8-18 years old

Cost:

$420 (prorated for half season)

Performances:

1/27, 3/6-3/7, 4/17-4/19, 5/13
Director
Denise Willey

Dani Stoneman

Program Manager

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REGISTRATION for the 2025/26 SEASON

If you have played previously in Vivace Youth Orchestra (or the Vivace Orchestra Camp), Utah Valley Symphony, any of the top Lyceum Orchestra/Symphony groups no audition is required, all you need to do is register and pay the $25 registration fee to reserve your spot.

If you have not previously played in one of the listed groups, just create an audition video via YouTube and send us the link when you register: there’s a spot on the registration form to put the link to your video. If you would rather audition in person, send an email to [email protected] to request an audition time, or come join us for a rehearsal to see what it’s like!

Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays in American Fork at the Timp Arts Center (53 W. Main):

  • Youth Orchestra 3:15-5:30
  • Chamber Ensemble 4:30-5:30

Our Directors

Founder and Artistic Director

Denise Willey was named Utah Music Teacher of the Year in 1997 and Music Educator of the Year in 2025 by the American String Teachers Association.  She was awarded Best of State (Children’s Orchestra, Music Camp, & String Quartet) in 2018 and 2019. She earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Utah and has directed hundreds of young musicians from across the country at her Vivace Orchestra Program and Camp, Mountains & Strings camps, the Intermountain Suzuki String Institute, and in school and after-school orchestra programs. Mrs. Willey maintains a thriving private studio, is an SAA Registered Suzuki Teacher Trainer, and served on the Suzuki Association of Utah board of directors for nearly forty years. Mrs. Willey teaches orchestra at Willowcreek Middle School. She reared six children who have all received national prestige as musicians, and is the happy grandmother of nearly 22. 

Director

Mr. Willey, who has soloed twice with the Utah Symphony, was principal bass in All-State Orchestra for five years, and was the youngest music missionary ever in the Orchestra at Temple Square, age 13. He’s graduating from BYU in Bass Performance, and has been concertmaster of American Fork Symphony. He completed a full tour of duty in the military, and now teaches a huge studio of violin, viola, cello, and bass students. He is the director of the Vivace Chamber Orchestra.

Meet our amazing instructors in this performance video from our 2024-25 season.

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