Ensemble Programs

Supplement Your
Orchestral Experience

WYSO offers ensemble opportunities for orchestra members to supplement their educational and orchestral experience. Through participation in ensembles, students become more proficient on their instruments, learn teamwork and leadership skills, and explore musical repertoire outside of the orchestral setting.

The WYSO Percussion Ensemble

Directed by Vicki Peterson Jenks

Eligibility: Percussion members of Concert, Philharmonia, and Youth Orchestras

Percussion Ensemble provides orchestra percussionists with focused training and performance experience across a variety of percussion instruments and musical styles. Students develop rhythmic precision, ensemble coordination, listening skills, technical versatility, and independence while performing repertoire written or arranged specifically for percussion. Students learn appropriate instrument handling, setup, maintenance, and equipment care while strengthening the skills required for successful participation in a full orchestra.

The WYSO Brass Choirs

Directed by Josh Biere

Eligibility: Brass members of Concert, Philharmonia, and Youth Orchestras

WYSO offers two brass choirs: the combined Concert–Philharmonia Brass Choir and the Youth Brass Choir. These ensembles provide trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba players with focused training and opportunities to perform repertoire written or arranged specifically for brass. Students develop tone quality, intonation, blend, balance, articulation, rhythmic precision, listening skills, and confidence performing within a brass ensemble.

The WYSO Harp Ensemble

Directed by Jenny DeRoche Christian

Minimum Eligibility: At least fifth grade with approximately three years of study | Playing Level: Allegro in Suzuki Harp School, Volume 2, or equivalent repertoire

Harp Ensemble offers harpists the opportunity to study and perform repertoire written or arranged for multiple harps. Students develop ensemble, musicianship, listening, and performance skills through weekly rehearsals and multiple performances throughout the year. Participation is required for students in the Harp Orchestral Program. Qualified harpists who are not orchestra members may apply through an interest form and video audition.

The WYSO Chamber Music Program

Directed by Karl Lavine

Minimum Age: 10 | Eligibility: Open to students in Sinfonietta, Concert, Philharmonia, and Youth Orchestras, as well as qualified community musicians | Playing Level: Placement based on the student’s orchestra level or submitted audition

The Chamber Music Program offers students the opportunity to perform in small ensembles such as string quartets, woodwind quintets, and piano trios. Participants work closely with a professional coach throughout the season, developing collaboration, leadership, communication, and independent musicianship. Non-orchestra applicants must submit an interest form and solo video audition.

The WYSO Flute Choir

Co-Directors: Danielle Breisach and Victoria Rockman

Eligibility: Ages 11–18; open to WYSO members and qualified community musicians | Playing Level: Concert Orchestra level or equivalent

Flute Choir provides flutists with an opportunity to explore repertoire written or arranged specifically for flute ensemble. Students strengthen ensemble, musicianship, and listening skills while performing music ranging from folk and classical works to contemporary arrangements. Non-orchestra applicants must submit an interest form and video audition.

If you are interested in joining the Flute Choir please fill out this Interest Form.

If you have any questions, please email wyso@wysomusic.org.