arts & entertainment

After 22 years of nurturing young talent and enriching the community through music, the Gifford Youth Orchestra is proud to announce an exciting new chapter in its journey. To better reflect its expanded mission and diverse programming, the organization will now be known as the Gifford Academy for Performing Arts.

This new identity underscores the organization’s commitment to providing exceptional education and performance opportunities—not only in music but across a wide range of performing arts disciplines.

“Together with our community, we have cultivated countless young talents and created unforgettable experiences,” said Casey Lunceford, Executive Director. “As we grow, this change allows us to serve more students and expand into new areas of the arts, while continuing to honor our orchestra’s legacy.”

The Gifford Academy for Performing Arts will continue offering innovative programs that inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and provide students with the skills they need to thrive. The transition represents both a continuation of the orchestra’s mission and an embrace of new opportunities to educate, inspire, and create.

Supporters and community members are invited to celebrate this milestone and join in the Academy’s next chapter. To learn more about programs, events, and opportunities to get involved, please visit the newly launched website at giffordacademy.org.

About Gifford Academy for Performing Arts

Founded in 2003 as the Gifford Youth Orchestra, the organization has served the community for more than two decades by providing children with access to high-quality arts education. Today, as the Gifford Academy for Performing Arts, the organization continues to empower young people through diverse programming across multiple performing arts disciplines, ensuring opportunities to learn, grow, and shine.