Orchestras

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Youth Orchestra

Kyle Knox, Music Director & Youth Orchestra Conductor

Youth Orchestra was founded in 1966 and is WYSO’s premier orchestra, performing advanced orchestral literature. Members should be at least 13 years old at the start of the academic year in September, have several years of ensemble experience, and perform individually at a pre-college or college level. Youth Orchestra is under the direction of Music Director Kyle Knox, holds three concerts each season, and has the opportunity to tour nationally or internationally approximately every other year. Auditions for membership are held each spring.

Philharmonia Orchestra

Michelle Kaebisch, Philharmonia Orchestra

Founded in 1977, the Philharmonia Orchestra performs orchestral literature at the high school and college levels. Members should be at least 12 years old at the start of the academic year in September and have three or more years of ensemble experience. Members generally perform individually at an advanced high school level. The Philharmonia Orchestra holds three concerts each season, and performs for area schools during their annual In-State Tour. Auditions for membership are held each spring.

Concert Orchestra

Christine Mata Eckel, Concert Orchestra

Concert Orchestra was founded in 1977 and performs music for full orchestra at the high school and advanced middle school level. Members of Concert Orchestra are at least 11 years old at the start of the academic year in September and have two to three years of ensemble experience. Members generally perform individually at a standard high school or advanced middle school level. Concert Orchestra holds three concerts each season, and performs for area schools during an annual In-State Tour. Auditions for membership are held each spring.

Sinfonietta Orchestra

Geri Hamilton, Sinfonietta Conductor

Sinfonietta Orchestra performs various levels of string orchestra literature from standard middle school to high school level. Members of Sinfonietta Orchestra should be at least 10 years old at the start of the academic year in September and have at least three years of private study or school string experience, along with some ensemble playing. Founded in 1993, the orchestra performs three concerts throughout the season and an annual one-day tour for area schools. Auditions for membership are held each spring.

Opus One Orchestra

Steve Kurr, Conductor

In order to meet the needs of young string players and to provide an introductory ensemble experience, Opus One was formed in 2016. This orchestra has a strong emphasis on technique, and incorporates string instrument fundamentals as well as ensembles skills. The opportunity to play in Opus One is valuable to all young musicians who are at the early stages of string instrument studies, and all string players as young as age 8 at the start of the academic year in September are encouraged to apply.

WYSO members commit to:

  • Saturday rehearsals (occasionally on Sunday) from September to May
  • Three major concerts each season
  • An international tour every two years (Youth Orchestra only)