ABOUT CVYO

Cannon Valley Youth Orchestra has served young string musicians from southern Minnesota for more than 25 years. Modeled after flourishing student orchestras in the Twin Cities and around the nation, CVYO offers a rich musical environment for kids to come together around challenging pieces in the spirit of fun and cooperation. 

Over the years, nearly 600 emerging players have shared stands in our 3 ensembles - Haydn for advanced beginners, Mozart for intermediate players, Bach for advanced musicians. They've studied exceptional scores under the baton of conductors including Jennifer Bellefeuille, Ellen Hacker, and Max Vitullo. And they've performed delightful concerts for the public, indoors and out, live and virtually, always with dedication and joy.

CVYO hosts both school-year orchestras and summer camps featuring guest musicians.

General CO-Managers

Deonne Gray

Elizabeth Lathrop

Board of Directors

Katherine Canon (chair), Angela Cena, Elise Eslinger, Kate Ford (Treasurer), Sara Line, Josie Rawson (Communications), Sarah Sword (Secretary)

Music educator, violinist, and conductor Max Clifford is an enthusiastic and motivated teacher-musician who values creating meaningful musical experiences with students and professionals alike. Max prioritizes equity in all aspects of student experiences and works to provide students with outlets to showcase their diverse strengths and interests. 

A graduate of St. Olaf College, Max earned a Bachelor of Music degree in instrumental music education. At St. Olaf, Max served as President and Assistant Principal second violin of the St. Olaf Orchestra, as well as Principal second violin of the St. Olaf Philharmonia. Max is a trained violinist with experience in solo, chamber, and large ensemble performance, and feels equally at home whether playing in a quartet or a large orchestra. 

As a chamber musician, Max has attended master classes with the St. Lawrence String Quartet and Catalyst Quartet, and has worked closely with Minnesota-based Artaria String Quartet. His primary violin instructors include Ray Shows (Artaria String Quartet) and Sue Bennefeld. He has studied conducting with Steven Amundson and Dr. Timothy Mahr. Max has performed in venues across the state of Minnesota, including multiple appearances at Orchestra Hall. He has also performed internationally in Germany, Poland, and Hungary. 

Max grew up performing with the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies. His experience with GTCYS greatly informed his passion for youth orchestra organizations and continues to inspire him to serve by providing students and communities with high quality musical experiences, both within and outside of school. In addition to serving as CVYO’s Music Director, Max teaches orchestra at Wayzata High School in Plymouth, MN. 

Max’s teaching philosophy is based around the fundamental belief that music-making is a human endeavor. When people rehearse and perform music together, they create deep connections that last a lifetime. Max is incredibly grateful and excited to be able to create these connections with CVYO students, families, and communities.