The All-American Youth Orchestra

The All-American Youth Orchestra (AAYO) was an American symphonic orchestra established by Leopold Stokowski in 1940 after his contract with The Philadelphia Orchestra lapsed. He announced the creation of a new All-American Youth Orchestra and conducted auditions during April, May, and early June 1940. Stokowski auditioned perhaps 1000 young musicians from a much larger pre-screed group across the United States, selecting 90 players. To these young players, Stokowski added a number of key 'ringers' - experienced Philadelphia Orchestra musicians - to form his All-American Youth Orchestra. The first rehearsal took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey on 8 July 1940. After two weeks of rehearsal in Atlantic City in June and July, on 26 July 1940 at midnight, the All-American Youth Orchestra set sail on the SS Uruguay for South America. During August and September 1940, AAYO toured Brazil (Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo), Argentina (Buenos Aires), and Uruguay (Montevideo).

Leopold Stokowski had been an exclusive Victor recording artist since his first recording in 1917. When NBC decided to fund Toscanini's South American tour, but not to fund the 1940 tour that Stokowski was planning, he approached Columbia Records. William Paley agreed to pay for Stokowski's 1940 South American tour in return for Stokowski's agreement to record for Columbia Records. Stokowski had an exclusive contract with Victor for recordings with the Philadelphia Orchestra, but no such contract covered this new All-American Youth Orchestra. Thus, Stokowski became a Columbia Records recording artist. Stokowski and the All-American Youth Orchestra recorded for Columbia Records even before embarking on their Latin American tour. On 24 July 1940 in Columbia's Liederkranz Hall on 30th Street in New York City, Stokowski and the 1940 AAYO recorded two patriotic sides: The Star-Spangled Banner and Irving Berlin's God Bless America, both as arranged by Stokowski. The "Pledge of Allegiance" spoken before the Star-Spangled Banner was spoken by legendary (later) producer Goddard Lieberson.