The Lyceum Orchestra Program was founded by Denise Willey in 1987. Under her direction these talented young musicians performed side-by-side with the Utah Symphony, University of Utah, BYU-Idaho and many other prestigious institutions. In 2005, under her direction, the group was selected as one of only five ensembles nationally to perform at the American String Teachers National Conference. Additionally, many Lyceum musicians have been recognized both locally and nationally for their musical accomplishments including multiple National High School Honors Orchestra and Utah Symphony Salute to Youth performers, winners of the ASTA State and National Competitions, Utah State Fair Music Competition, Utah Valley String Festival, and many college music scholarship recipients.

In 2006, program director Kayson Brown oversaw the group's expansion from a string-only ensemble to a full symphonic orchestra as well as partnerships with Utah Symphony, major university programs, and the commencement of the Lyceum Music Festival. In the fall of 2008, American Heritage School, under the leadership of principal Grant Beckwith, became the new parent organization.

In 2009 American Heritage School completed construction on a state of the art orchestra rehearsal and recording facility. The Lyceum Philharmonic was awarded "Best Youth Performing Ensemble" in the state by Best of State in both 2009 and 2010 and was one of only three orchestras in the nation to receive an invitation to perform at the 2010 American String Teachers Association National Conference.

"This group of young musicians is amazing!"

- Jenny Oaks Baker
Recording Artist