News
April 6, 2022Empire State Youth Orchestra Purchases Former School In Scotia-Glenville
The Empire State Youth Orchestra today announced the acquisition of property at 45 MacArthur Drive in Scotia-Glenville. The purchase of the former St. Joseph’s Parish School is the first step in a multi-year project that will transform the former school into an ensemble rehearsal academy and a permanent home for ESYO.
An established cultural institution and leader in music education, Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) provides over 500 youth musicians from all twelve counties in New York’s Capital Region, the Hudson Valley, Western Massachusetts, and Southern Vermont with an unparalleled music experience under the tutelage of outstanding conductors, coaches, and guest artists. Notable alumni include GRAMMY-nominated Vibraphonist Stefan Harris, Bang on a Can All-Star Ashley Bathgate, Ian Antonio the co-founder of the experimental piano and percussion ensemble YarnWire, and Chicago Symphony’s Associate Principal Cellist Ken Olson.
Omar Williams, ESYO’s new Board Chair, school music teacher, and an ESYO Alum, said, “For years, ESYO has operated out of school gyms and auditoriums throughout the Capital Region. We’ve always dreamed of having a permanent home that will best support our young musicians as they grow and develop. We are thrilled to have acquired this property and look forward to transforming it into a center for musical youth.”
Located between exits 25 & 26 of New York’s Thruway in the heart of Schenectady County, a growing hub for music, film, and the cultural arts, the 18,000 square foot building is centrally located and accessible from anywhere in upstate New York.
“We’re so excited that ESYO chose Schenectady County as their permanent home,” said Schenectady County Legislator Cathy Gatta, President of the Discover Schenectady Board of Directors. “This move will bring over 500 young musicians from all over the Capital Region and their families to Scotia-Glenville, benefitting local businesses and the community.” Gatta, a professional musician, grew up in ESYO and played violin in its inaugural orchestra.
The Town of Glenville and Village of Scotia has approved preliminary site plans and broadly support the project. Plans for its future development and an accompanying capital campaign are underway.
