Colonial Italian American Organization recently gave a $500 education grant to help support music education in the community.
At the Williamsburg Youth Orchestras (WYO) Winter Concert on February 24, members of the Colonial Italian American Organization (CIAO) presented an education grant of $500 to support music education in the Williamsburg community. WYO will use the grant to offer its students special coaching sessions with professional musicians from around the region.
CIAO was formed in 1988 as a social club for Italian-Americans to enjoy cultural and educational presentations, trips, and dinners. In 1989, CIAO began making monetary awards to local high school and college students to help them further their academic careers.
In 2003, CIAO presented the first Annual Italian Festival, which is a fundraising event that supports the organization’s charitable work. The Italian Festival takes place the second weekend of October and includes performances, vendors, wine, and food. This year, WYO’s Tangent Trio (string players) performed classical and popular music from Italy at the festival.
Williamsburg Youth Orchestras offers a three-tiered string orchestra program, symphony orchestra, chamber music program, and summer camp. The WYO Symphony remains the area’s only full orchestra for young musicians. Students rehearse weekly and offer public concerts throughout the school year.
