Baylor Student Selected for National Orchestra Intensive
Ava Janes has been named a participant in a premier professional development program for the orchestral field.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Classical
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Baylor University student Ava Janes has been selected for the League of American Orchestras' Artistic Administration Intensive. She is the only undergraduate chosen among 20 participants for the four-day national program.
Why it matters
The intensive provides critical professional development in areas like artistic planning and community engagement. By participating, Janes gains access to training that bridges the gap between academic study and the professional orchestra world.
Janes is one of 20 participants selected for the four-day intensive, a program that requires rigorous professional background. She currently works at least 15 hours a week for the Waco Symphony, a role she has held for two years.
The players
Ava Janes
She is a Baylor University student who founded the Waco Symphony Orchestra Student Ambassadors.
League of American Orchestras
This national organization supports the professional development of those working within the orchestra field.
Waco Symphony
This regional performing arts institution employs Janes for at least 15 hours per week.
Baylor University
Located in Waco, Texas, this private Christian university is where Janes is currently pursuing her undergraduate studies.
Aspen Music Festival and School
This prestigious Colorado-based classical music festival hosted Janes as an orchestra stage manager during summer 2026.
The details
During the intensive in New York City, participants will receive instruction on artistic planning, budgeting, programming, and community engagement. Janes intends to apply these new insights to her work with the Waco Symphony and share the knowledge with other students at Baylor University.
Timeline
Ava Janes worked at the Aspen Music Festival and School during summer 2026.
Janes was selected for the national orchestra intensive in October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The League of American Orchestras' Artistic Administration Intensive serves as a vital pipeline for grooming the next generation of leadership in the performing arts. By admitting an undergraduate, the program acknowledges a shift toward providing earlier career exposure to the complex business models governing modern symphony management.
This development ensures that local symphony operations are informed by the latest national trends in artistic programming and audience engagement. Residents of Waco can expect the student-led initiatives championed by Janes to potentially expand in scope and organizational efficiency.
The takeaway
This achievement highlights the growing importance of student involvement in the professional administration of regional arts. Aspiring arts administrators should seek out similar developmental programs early in their collegiate careers to build essential leadership skills.
Further reading
Learn more about local performances and musical education initiatives on our Classical page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baylor Lariat - The official student news source.
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