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Administrative Staff Jack Walton, Executive Director • jwalton@aypo.org • (703) 642-8053 Jack Walton joined the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras in January 2011 with a long history of success in the nonprofit world. He started his nonprofit career with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Association and has held leadership positions in arts and other organizations for the past twenty-two years. He has demonstrated excellent skills building long-term relationships with the multiple stakeholders within organizations and the communities which provide funding support for these organizations. As Executive Director, Jack is responsible for the administrative oversight of the organization, development and marketing, and assuring responsible fiscal leadership of AYPO to secure the long-term future, enabling stable growth and delivery of the AYPO mission. Jack has also had a parallel career in music as a singer and conductor having begun his professional life as a high school choral music teacher. He served as the Special Performances conductor for the Dallas Symphony Chorus for seven years and as guest conductor for the Jefferson Music Festival at the Kennedy Center with a festival chorus and the Mid-Atlantic Chamber Orchestra. After moving to the area from Dallas, Jack sang with the Paul Hill Chorale and assisted the organization by conducting run-out concerts at the Warner Theatre. You might have even seen Jack as the conductor of the Annual Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-Along for eleven years with the President’s Own United States Marine Band. Jack lives in Ashburn, Virginia with his wife Sherry and loves to play golf in his spare time. Krysta Cihi, General Manager • manager@aypo.org • (703) 642-8052 Krysta Cihi joined the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras in January 2012. Her responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day activities of all four orchestras, their personnel, and volunteer staff. She organizes all aspects of rehearsals, secures concert sites, is a contact for the artistic staff, and is a liaison for guest artists. She also manages music acquisition and distribution and oversees all aspects of AYPO annual auditions. A native of Norwalk, Connecticut, Krysta's love of classical music began with her participation in the Norwalk Youth Symphony in her middle and high school years. From there, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Davidson College in May 2010. At Davidson, she was actively involved in the arts community, studying clarinet and participating in the Davidson College Symphony Orchestra, Pep Band, Dance Ensemble, Concert Choir, and several chamber ensembles. Since graduation, Krysta has held internships with a number of arts organizations including New York City Opera, the National Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Krysta also enjoys musical theatre, scuba diving, languages, and traveling. Michelle Wallace, Education & Outreach Manager • mwallace@aypo.org • (703) 642-8054 Michelle Wallace joined the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras in September 2006. She manages the Music Buddies Mentorship Program, the Chamber Ensemble Program, media & public relations, graphic & print design (including the concert programs and Vivace newsletters), the AYPO website, and customer relations at concerts. Before working for AYPO, Michelle was the Special Events Intern at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. while attending the University of Maryland (College Park). She was involved with fundraising and planning for the annual silent auction and gala. At the University of Maryland, Michelle was a Resident Assistant for incoming freshman students. She also worked with the Conferences and Visitor Services department to manage summer programs such as the Special Olympics and Odyssey of the Mind’s international competition. In 2005, Michelle studied abroad in Brisbane, Australia where she focused on Australian and Aboriginal literature and culture. Michelle graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature and is currently enrolled in two certificate programs at Northern Virginia Community College: Photography & Emerging Imaging and Multimedia Web & Graphic Design. Michelle resides in Virginia and has also lived in Massachusetts, Alaska, New York and California, growing up as a military child in a United States Coast Guard family. She played the clarinet for seven years in her youth before pursuing photography and other creative arts. Pamela Daniels • pdaniels@aypo.org • (703) 642-8051 Arts Administration Intern • info@aypo.org • (703) 642-8051 Bethany Thompson, Operations Manager • info@aypo.org Tomas Primeau, Stage Manager • info@aypo.org Accounting Services: Kositzka Wicks and Company |
