Recognized as one of the most outstanding ensembles of its kind, the Austin Classical Guitar Youth Orchestra (ACGYO) is an auditioned ensemble of exceptional young guitarists from Austin, Texas. Under the direction of Dr. Joe Williams, the ACGYO has performed for thousands in Austin’s most prestigious venues and in guest appearances at The San Francisco Conservatory, Outpost Performance Space (Albuquerque, New Mexico) Las Torres de Cotillas Flamenco Festival (Murcia, Spain) and the Antonio de Torres Museo de la Guitarra (Almeria, Spain).
Our members are Kritanko Chakraborty, Satvik Chawla, Eleanora Mason, Teddy McCoy, Noah Melendrez, Kian Mitchell, Nima Moin, Miles Notzon, Greg Sonnier Archith Venkatagiri, & Jianna Zamora with Director Joe Williams & Assistant ACGYO Director Alex Lew.
Learn more here. Support the ACGYO here.
This spring, the ACG Youth Orchestra went on a beautiful tour across West Texas, driven by a simple but powerful idea: the act of giving is a cause for celebration.
As part of ACG’s 2024–25 season, GIVE, these extraordinary young musicians traveled to Fredericksburg, Alpine, Marfa, and San Antonio, using their talents to raise funds for local organizations working to make their communities better.
Along the way, the group made time to connect with the land and each other. One especially meaningful stop was Big Bend National Park, where they filmed a stunning music video at the Rio Grande in Boquillas Canyon. The experience included a hike, a swim, and a whole lot of joy.
Not only that, but a documentary was even put together about this wondrous experience, directed by Nick Hurt. It’s filled with breathtaking scenery, gorgeous music, and heartfelt reflections from the artists and we’re so excited to share it with you.
Inspired by our 2024-25 season theme, GIVE, and guided by the belief that music can be a powerful catalyst for acceptance, hope, and joy, this tour celebrated the idea of the gifts that each of us can choose to share and an invitation to notice how these gifts transform over the course of our lives.
Throughout the journey, members of the ACGYO reflected on what it means to give, to grow, and to share.
“…I love giving in every opportunity I get, that’s how I show love really. I think it’s powerful… That’s why we live right? It’s all about community as humans” – Noah Melendrez
Watch the full documentary and hear more from the ACGYO members below
Whether in song, friendship, or a moment of reflection beneath desert skies, these young artists offered their gifts with open hearts and we’re so proud to share their story with you.
Thank you for being part of our community and sharing your gifts of presence, support, and joy along the way.
This journey would not have been possible without the incredible support of so many generous partners and friends:
Production support for this music video is generously provided by
Monkee-Boy Web Design, ACG’s web development partner for over twenty years
Huge thank you to our production team:
Nick Hurt, Video Director
Nicolas Westerlink & Ashton Haines, Video Crew
Todd Waldron & Dan Childers, Audio engineers
Jordan Sanchez, ACG Coordinator
Special thanks to Mayor Jeryl Hoover & The Fredericksburg Theater Company, Katie Kizzar & Rachel Fuechsl at the McDonald Observatory Haley Levin, Sensorea & The Chinati Foundation, Dr. Andrew Alegria at Sul Ross University, Leon Paczkowski, Paul Stautinger & Austin Community College as well as Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, Dr. Matthew Dasco, Eve Crawford White, Jeremy Powley & UT Health San Antonio.