Our Mission
The Young Artists Debut Orchestra (YADO) is a nonprofit organization which embraces the great IDEA of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, and which strives to transform lives by providing the highest level of music education and public performance opportunities for students, ages 6-21, and by making the program accessible to disadvantaged students, through financial assistance and outreach.
The Young Artists Debut Orchestra provides the following:
The opportunity for students to engage in a comprehensive classical music program of the highest quality, that substantially supplements their school music activities
Quality stringed instruments, which are loaned to students who cannot afford their own
7 annual live public performances, including 3 recitals
The opportunity for students to perform in small ensembles
Mentoring and coaching by professional musicians, with side-by-side performance opportunities
A conductor with international credentials
A Summer Music Academy with a Finale Concert
An annual Music Educational Field Trip to hear the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra
The YADO programs function synergistically to create an artistic environment that provides multi-dimensional educational development for all students.
“With the YADO’s Prelude Strings program, my children have been granted an opportunity that in normal circumstances they would never have. This opportunity is life changing and it enables them to express themselves through music. My gratitude is immeasurable that my children can experience the professionalism, gifted, kind teachers that YADO provides. I am a single mother with 6 children, and this opportunity is nothing shy of angels sent from above to help guide my children. I will be forever grateful for the YADO and its teachers.”
—Nicole Barnes, Genesis Strings parent
“Jessie, we are sorry to have missed seeing you before we moved. Thank you for everything you did for LidaMarie. Her skills and performance were enhanced by what she learned from you and Maestro. You have been a blessing to us in many ways. God bless you for all you do in helping kids build skills and love of beautiful music. Peace+”
—Margie Frezza, grateful former YADO parent
“I have studied violin for the past 7 years, 4 of those have been with Maestro Collura and the YADO program.
The program and Maestro have taught me so many things, like how to play in tune; to play in tempo; how to reach the highest level of excellence, and how a real professional orchestra works.
Maestro Collura has been a huge inspiration for me, and I feel fortunate to have the BEST conductor in Erie to mentor me.”
—Ben Niebauer, 11th Grade McDowell High School Student
“I just wanted to send a note thanking you and Maestro for all that you have done to make last Friday night’s concert a reality! We are so grateful to have learned about YADO through Louis Nicolia, and for Samantha to have participated in the summer music academy, as well as this past semester’s rehearsals and performance.
My husband and I appreciate the hard work and efforts made by everyone, based on the beautiful music we heard last week. Beyond the performance, I’ve been impressed and thrilled with sitting in rehearsals and seeing the method Maestro uses to make the kids into their “best selves.” This method has pushed Samantha to practice more, and she has grown so much since August! I am truly grateful for YADO in giving her the opportunity to do what she loves to do - play and learn music!
Thank you, again!”
—Jessica P., YADO parent
“Through YADO, my daughter has had the opportunity to take her violin out into the community. Connecting what happens in lessons and practice sessions to real-world experiences and performance opportunities like this is vital to her success. The appreciation shown to the kids from staff and crowd alike bolsters her confidence and she takes pride in her participation. I'm grateful YADO is able to offer opportunities like this!”
—Amy West, YADO parent
“The instructors working with the Strings of the Heart Orchestra (SOHO) and the Quintessentially (Q) encourage the students to improve their skills through practice and hard work. In addition to improving her skills with the violin, my daughter has learned about team work, time management, leadership, setting goals and self-discipline. The YADO’s annual Holiday and Spring concerts are a culmination of months of work from the entire orchestra, and the joy and feeling of accomplishment from a great performance is invaluable to her self-confidence. My daughter has gained so much from participating with SOHO and Q and this would not be possible without the guidance and leadership of Maestro Frank Collura and Mrs. Jessie Collura, the Directors of the organization. The Colluras are committed to educating students and developing young musicians to help them attain success.”
—Nancy Carty, Ph.D., YADO parent
Associate Professor, Microbiology
Assistant Director of Problem Based Learning Pathway
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine