WYSO News

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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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Announcing WYSO’s Exceptional Series of Master Classes

WYSO is proud to announce our upcoming Series of Virtual Master Classes, to be taught by some of the top orchestral musicians in the world!  Including six master classes taught by illustrious WYSO alumni, including Vicki Powell (Principal Viola, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic), Kenneth Woods (Conductor, English Symphony Orchestra), Scott Pingel (Principal...

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The Story of the WYSO Virtual Concert

March 11 seems so long ago and yet, it seems like only days. The WYSO Youth Orchestra had just completed two amazing dress rehearsals in preparation for a sold out March 13 concert at the Hamel Music Center. On the program just before intermission was the William Tell Overture by Rossini. The Youth Orchestra had been rehearsing for weeks: the horns, the...

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August Excitement – A Gift of New Percussion

WYSO has received nearly $90,000 of brand-new percussion equipment, courtesy of a private family foundation who wishes to remain anonymous. This generous gift was made possible because of the family’s history with, passion for, and active engagement with WYSO. The incredible gift includes 10 copper bowl timpani, 4 marimbas, a xylophone, vibraphone, chimes,...

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Announcing the 2020 Rabin Youth Arts Awardee!

The Rabin Youth Arts awards are presented each year to an organization or individual that has made a significant contribution in the area of Youth Arts. This year's award for Artistic Achievement (for making a significant contribution in an area such as teaching, program development, or leadership in performance) has been awarded by an illustrious panel of...

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WYSO Celebrates Over 1000 Online Classes!

When the WYSO staff realized that rehearsals and group in-person classes were effectively canceled for Spring, WYSO Music  Director Kyle Knox and Membership Manager Valree Casey sprang into action. They created a schedule, recruited the sectional and chamber coaches to teach, and on Saturday, March 28, the first of the Orchestra Zoom Coachings took place....

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A Fall Season Unlike Any Other

From our new residence in the beautiful McFarland Performing Arts Center to our new-found skills in online teaching and virtual performance, this coming Fall is looking full of promise and transformational change. What are the scenarios? Possibilities are still developing, but here are three scenarios for how WYSO’s Fall Season could play out. The WYSO...

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