The Evergreen Valley Youth Orchestra (EVYO) was born from a shared passion for music among local students in 2016. High School and Elementary students, having outgrown the music programs at their schools, including Silver Creek High and Evergreen High, sought a place to continue their musical journey. When schools were unable to accommodate their needs, Grace Church of Evergreen welcomed them with open arms, offering its main worship space, renowned for its exceptional acoustics, as their new home.
The students’ initiative extended beyond just playing together—they aspired to share their knowledge and passion with others. This led to the creation of the Grace Music Institute (GMI), initially an informal entity within the church, offering music classes to aspiring students from Elementary and High Schools. The members of EVYO volunteered as instructors, teaching others while deepening their own understanding of music and their instruments. A nominal fee was introduced to cover basic operational costs, while the dedication of the teachers ensured that both instructors and students benefited immensely from this exchange.
Recognizing the need for these talented young musicians to perform publicly, Grace Church initiated the ‘Musician in Residence’ program. This program provided young musicians with opportunities to explore a diverse repertoire of Christian and soul-inspiring music, engage with a supportive audience, and gain valuable performance experience.
Today, GMI has evolved further, now staffed with professionally trained musicians alongside dedicated volunteers. The Institute’s mission is to help young learners discover their love for music and explore their creative abilities, all while connecting with their spiritual core. GMI serves as a welcoming space for children and youth to test their musical interests, find joy in making music, and embark on a rewarding journey of self-discovery.
