LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The sounds of Disney classics echoed through the Veterans Memorial Civic Center as the Lima Area Youth Orchestra hosted its annual children’s concert.
Held inside the Crouse Performance Hall, the performance welcomed approximately 1,000 students from across the region, giving young attendees the chance to experience live orchestral music in an engaging and familiar way.
The orchestra, supported by the Lima Noon Optimist Club and the Lima Symphony Orchestra, features about 70 student musicians. Members range from kindergarten through high school seniors and come from communities across the area, with some traveling up to 40 miles to participate.
For many students, the experience offers unique musical opportunities not available in school programs.
“This is my third year in LAYO,” said senior Landen Bacon. “I wanted to join because I’ve never played with string players in high school band. It’s not something you get to do often, so I thought this would be a unique experience, and it definitely has been.”
Director Joseph MacBenn said the program is designed to include musicians at all skill levels and ages.
“We have something for all these different age groups,” MacBenn said. “From our youngest member, who was a kindergartener, all the way up to 12th grade seniors. So we have a little something for everybody.”
The Lima Area Youth Orchestra was formed in 1968 and continues to provide performance and educational opportunities for young musicians throughout the region. Auditions for the 2025–2026 season are now open, with applications available online through the orchestra’s website.
