A New Chapter for the Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras
New Leadership Shapes the Future of IFS Youth Orchestras
The Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras are entering a new chapter, with fresh leadership bringing energy, experience, and vision to the program.
At the center of this transition is Ariel Loveland, stepping in as Youth Symphony Conductor. An award-winning orchestra director in the Madison School District and an active professional violinist, she brings a strong combination of classroom excellence and real-world performance experience. Her work with student musicians has consistently focused on growth, confidence, and high-level ensemble playing.
She joins returning Assistant Conductor Eric Smith, continuing a collaborative leadership model that supports both musical development and ensemble cohesion.
The Philharmonia will also see new leadership with Melissa Dayley as Conductor. With a Master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting and a broad background in youth music education, she adds depth and momentum to the program. She will work alongside Annalee Kelly, whose ongoing role helps ensure continuity across ensembles.
Together, this team strengthens the full pathway of the youth orchestra program—from developing musicians to advanced ensemble performance—setting the stage for continued growth in the seasons ahead.
Welcome to IFSYO!
Please explore our application and audition opportunities below.
Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras
The Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras (IFSYO) provide young musicians with a dynamic, educational, and inspiring orchestral experience. What began in 1989 as the Eastern Idaho Youth Symphony, founded by conductor Eric Wenstrom, has grown into a vibrant program serving students across the region. After becoming part of the Idaho Falls Symphony Society, the program has continued to expand in both scope and impact.
Today, IFSYO is proud to offer three ensembles designed to support developing musicians at a variety of levels: the Youth Symphony, Philharmonia, and Preparatory Strings Orchestra. This three-tier structure allows students to grow artistically within a supportive, sequential program while experiencing the excitement of full ensemble performance.
Under our strong current artistic leadership, the program continues to build on its strong foundation while embracing new energy and vision. Together, the conducting team is committed to fostering musical excellence, collaboration, and a lifelong love of music.
IFSYO enhances school music education by providing students with opportunities that challenge and inspire. Each year, students have opportunities to participate in a concerto competition, perform major orchestral repertoire, collaborate with guest artists, and premiere new works written for youth orchestra.
Today, the Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras serve more than 160 students from across Eastern Idaho, offering a meaningful and enriching musical experience that prepares the next generation of musicians and community leaders.
2026 Concerto Competition Winner: Lily Thomas
Lily has been exploring the complexity and joy of the violin since the age of three. She began her musical studies using the Suzuki method with Annalee Kelly before expanding into fiddling, where she spent several years competing throughout Montana and Idaho. Lily later returned her focus to classical music and is currently studying with Idaho Falls Symphony concertmaster Emma Rubinstein.
Lily is an active member of her high school orchestra and serves as concertmaster of the Idaho Falls Youth Symphony. She has participated in the IMEA All-State Orchestra for two years, earning the position of concertmaster both times. In addition, Lily performs with the Idaho Falls Symphony and greatly values the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with professional musicians in her community.
Outside of music, Lily enjoys running, reading, horses, and considers herself something of an ice cream aficionado. She lives in New Sweden on a peony farm with three dogs, two cats, and countless chickens. Lily has begun coursework toward a nursing degree at Brigham Young University–Idaho. Beginning this June, she will serve an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Education & Outreach Manager Melanie Mallard
Youth Symphony Conductor Ariel Loveland
YS Assistant Conductor Eric Smith
Philharmonia Conductor Melissa Dayley
Philharmonia Asst & Preparatory Strings Orchestra Conductor Annalee Kelly
Preparatory Strings Orchestra Assistant Conductor Lauren Anderson
Support for the Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestra Program comes from these generous supporters:
The Idaho Commission on the Arts with support from the National Foundation for the Arts
Idaho Environmental Coalition
Bank of Commerce
Bateman-Hall
Alice Pike & Ken Krell
Carol Ormond
Chesbro Music Co.
Rocky Mountain Power Foundation
Sparklight
IFSYO Alumi Giving Support
Alan & Callie Avondet
Aaron & Elan Eddington
Claire Yoo
Heywook & Taesic Yoo
"Raise the Paddle" Education Support:
Rick & Linda Aman
David & Lori Barber
Kim & Mike Carpenter
Mike & Shae Clements
Stephanie Dunn & Travis Spencer
Jeff & Betsy Hunsicker
Aaron Johnson
Abigail Martin
Warren Maxfield
Dave Hill & Georgia Meacham
Carol Ormond
Carrie & Don Potter
Cody & Kylie Wheeler
Virginia Willard
