Westmoreland Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO)
Now in its 26th season, the Westmoreland Youth Symphony provides talented young area musicians with a high quality orchestral experience. Since many area school districts do not have active orchestra programs, WYSO is the only orchestral performance outlet for many area players.
If you are an advanced middle school, high school or college student, we encourage you to audition. Enjoy learning and performing great music taken from the wide, wonderful orchestral repertoire - imagine the experience of making music with a group of peers who share your love of the art! Attend weekly rehearsals; sectionals will be spaced throughout the year.
WYSO Rehearsals
WYSO rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9:00 in Cecilian Hall at Seton Hill University in Greensburg. Coaching sessions are provided by Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra members and other area professional musicians.
WYSO Concerts
Concerts will be held at the end of each of the two terms, which run from September-December and January-April. We hope to be able to present each concert twice, once at Seton Hill University and the other as an outreach concert.
WYSO Auditions
WYSO is open to high school and college students, and in some cases, to talented middle school students. Auditions, which are required, are held each fall and throughout the year by appointment. The next scheduled audition date is January 23, 2008.
Concerto Competition
A concerto competition, open to WYSO members only, is offered each year. The winner performs a movement from a concerto with WYSO at the spring concert.
WYSO String Ensemble
WYSO String Ensemble is a training group for the Westmoreland Youth Symphony Orchestra. No audition is required for this ensemble. The group is directed by David Sinclair, principal violist with the Westmoreland Symphony and faculty member at Seton Hill University. Mr. Sinclair is also on the faculty of the Young Artists’ Debut Orchestra in Erie, PA and is an active free-lance player in the Pittsburgh region.
For more information on our Youth Orchestra, contact the WYSO manager, Ramona Coppage at wysorc@verizon.net