AYPO began the extensive search for a new Music Director in September 2008. The process of searching for Music Director Emeritus Luis Haza's successor has been a thrilling and enlightening process, with more than 95 applicants from throughout the United States and beyond. AYPO's Search Committee worked hard to narrow down the selection pool of candidates to two people who were best qualified and suited to continue and build the musical excellence of the AYPO program. Finalist Matthew Sidney Hazelwood conducted AYP on November 15th and Daniel Spalding will conduct AYP on January 31st. The official announcement of the New Music Director will be made at the April 11th concert conducted by Mr. Haza. The new Music Director will conduct the final concert on June 6, 2010, 3:00pm at George Mason University Center for the Arts.

Recognized as one of the leading orchestral training programs in the nation, the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (AYPO) provides competitive world-class training and performance opportunities for young musicians ages 7 - 21. With nationally recognized conductors, led by Luis Haza of the National Symphony Orchestra, a dedicated professional staff, and a host of volunteers, AYPO annually selects and trains over 400 of the most talented young musicians from throughout the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. AYPO is the Youth Orchestra in Residence at George Mason University's Center for the Arts and was selected by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as "one of the best small nonprofits in the Greater Washington region."