Year: 2021

Babayosimi Fadiran

I knew I wanted to join an orchestra after seeing my first concert at the age of 9. What got me hooked was discovering the versatility of the cello with its wide sound range resembling a human’s. This interest pushed me to join my middle school orchestra…

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Ally Hansen

I was inspired to start tuba after I heard my now private teacher, Mike Forbes, play a multiphonics piece called Fnugg. I’ve since realized that’s not what tuba players do on a regular basis, but it was like nothing I had ever heard…

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Eddie Chen

I began playing the violin when I was six years old and found my teacher, mentor, and friend, Liz Norton, who I studied under for the past 11 years. Once I started 5th grade, Liz pushed for me to join WYSO. For several years, I wasn’t sure how to commit to WYSO…

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Jasmine Maller

I have been in WYSO for four years and currently play flute in Philharmonia as well as have played piano for three years in the chamber program. Coming from a small school, WYSO was the first opportunity I had to ever play in an orchestra…

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Jessica Jiang

From the first moment I picked up my violin in 6th grade (albeit in a completely incorrect manner), I knew I was going to love the instrument. I learned rather quickly, and my teacher, Liz, soon encouraged me to audition for WYSO. After 7 months on the violin, I was accepted as a first violinist in Sinfonietta…

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Sophie Griffith-Oh

I still remember my very first WYSO rehearsal with Concert Orchestra in 7th grade. It was my first time playing in an orchestra, my only ensemble experience up to that point being three years in my school’s 8-person band. I remember scrambling to figure out what the tuning note was, and how incredible it was to see all the string players’ bows moving in unison…

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Rehearsals Under the Big Tent

In May, WYSO rehearsals began under the big tent for Concert, Philharmonia, and Youth Orchestras. Snuggled into the Edgewood College parking lot, with one long side wind-blocked by a row of pines, the tent looked as if it had always been there. Inside the 40' x 100' tent, woodwind, brass, string, percussion and harp musicians rehearsed together for the...

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Coming on April 10 – The WYSO Virtual Percussion EXTRAVAGANZA!

Reserve a seat for 4:00 pm, April 10, 2021 at the Virtual Percussion Extravaganza! You won’t want to miss this annual high-energy concert with a virtual twist! After four months of rehearsing in a ballroom at Monona Terrace Convention Center, the WYSO Percussion Ensemble is ready to perform. This intrepid ensemble was in search of a rehearsal location that...

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WYSO Virtual Open House April 8, 2021

Join us this Thursday at the WYSO Virtual Open House! One hour of the event is dedicated to learning about WYSO's two string orchestras:  Opus One and Sinfonietta. The second hour is dedicated to learning about WYSO's three full orchestras: Concert, Philharmonia, and Youth. The event will be hosted by Music Director Kyle Knox and will feature presentations...

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WYSO Audition Applications and Seat Reservations Are Now Open!

Each year WYSO offers a full array of the finest orchestral training and performance opportunities to young musicians between the ages of 8 and 18. Three full orchestras, two string orchestras, a chamber music program, and a variety of ensembles from Harp to Percussion to Honors Woodwinds form the core of the WYSO orchestral program. WYSO is perfect for...

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Join a Tradition of Excellence

It is almost time to audition for WYSO! Throughout its 54 years of existence, the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras has held a vibrant reputation of excellence. Marvin Rabin instilled strong values of integrity through education and performance, which remain alive today. We’re proud to share this opportunity with the youth of Wisconsin and anticipate...

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Recent News

Recent Spotlights

  • Babayosimi Fadiran
    I knew I wanted to join an orchestra after seeing my first concert ...
  • Ally Hansen
    I was inspired to start tuba after I heard my now private teacher, ...
  • Eddie Chen
    I began playing the violin when I was six years old and found my ...
  • Jasmine Maller
    My name is Jasmine Maller and I am a graduating senior from ...
  • Jessica Jiang
    From the first moment I picked up my violin in 6th grade (albeit ...
  • Sophie Griffith-Oh
    I still remember my very first WYSO rehearsal with Concert ...
Master classes are funded by the James R. Smith Guest Artist Fund. *Denotes WYSO Alumni.

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