About the Orchestras

Thinking of auditioning? check out our preliminary concert schedule for the 71st season
2018 - 2019 Concert Schedule


WYO offers various programs with different orchestras & bands for various stages of a student's development. The Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) is for older and advanced musicians while the Worcester Youth Philharmonic (WYP) is an excellent way for younger and less experienced players to get hands on experience by playing in a larger full orchestra ensemble. The WY Wind Ensemble explores a wide variety of band literature and the WY Jazz Program provides students with wide range of traditional and contemporary jazz repertoire.  WYO is also pleased to offer chamber music through its Honors Program. 

Members of the Worcester Youth Orchestra enjoy a variety of orchestral literature and the opportunity to perform in some of the finest concert halls in the state.  They rehearse weekly at the newly built Auburn High School, a first class public school district with excellent facilities and easy access from I-90, I-290, Rt. 20 and Rt. 12.

For the Honors Program, CLICK HERE                                                            For the Clarinet & Flute Choir, CLICK HERE

                                For the Jazz Program, CLICK HERE                                                         For the Wind Ensemble Program, CLICK HERE                   

Symphonic division

Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO)

WYO’s top orchestra is open to advanced students seeking challenging music and orchestral training.  WYSO performs one to two “masterworks” a semester by major composers in addition to smaller works and collaborations with other ensembles.  Open to advanced players, admission is through competitive audition with students being in 8th grade and above.  Recent works performed are Haydn’s Symphony No. 99, Mussorgsky’s The Great Gates of Kiev, Bizet's L'Arleisenne Suite, Weber's Oberon Overture and Beethoven's Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra.   

Average size is 60-70 students, depending on repertoire.  WYSO string and winds/brass members also have the benefit of working with monthly coaches and mentors, learning further orchestral and string technique. 

In Spring 2017, WYSO toured Montreal & Quebec.

In February 2019, WYSO will travel to the Czech Republic for a 7-day tour. 

More Information Here
WORCESTER YOUTH BAROQUE ORCHESTRA (WYBO)
A chamber orchestra that focuses on repertoire and performance practice from the Baroque Era.  A highly competitive ensemble, average size is 10-15 students.  Enrollment is open to all string students and a few limited spots for wind players.  The orchestra performs the masterworks by Handel, Vivaldi and Bach, as well as lesser known gems from the Baroque Era. The orchestra performs in small intimate venues with a limited but focused rehearsal period.  In addition, students have the opportunity to play on baroque instruments.   

Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings in the Fall & Spring.


More Information Here

young artists prep division

Worcester Youth Philharmonic (WYP)

A full orchestra (winds/brass/percussion/strings) is comprised of emerging young musicians seeking ensemble experience in a welcoming but hardworking atmosphere.  Students learn to play with other instruments, follow a conductor and are introduced to the major composers and works.  Rehearsals are sometimes divided into string sectionals and the full ensemble.  Membership is open to 6th graders and above, with string members being accepted in 5th grade.   Admission is through audition, average size is 50-60 players.  WYP usually collaborates with WYSO on one piece per concert.   Players are highly encouraged to join WYP and gain the necessary orchestral training before auditioning for WYSO.

More Information Here
String Orchestra
Our string orchestra is an excellent way for string players to develop their ensemble technique as well as focus on their skills as emerging violinists, violists and cellists.  Each week the orchestra focuses on scales, arpeggios and works on their own string repertoire.  Most students are in 3rd to 6th grade.  We highly encourage our younger string players to play in this group as it provides them with an excellent foundation in their instrumental development.  The string orchestra usually performs 1-2 pieces with the Philharmonic in every concert, in addition to their own pieces.  Many Philharmonic strings play in both groups to receive extra training.

More Information Here
Early Instrumental Program
WYO is proud offer the opportunity for exceptional young string and wind players to have the experience of playing in string and mixed instrument ensembles.  String players are usually in 2nd or 3rd grade (younger players are sometimes accepted) and have been playing their instrument for a few months.  Wind players in 5th grade that have been studying their instrument for over year and can demonstrate proficiency and meet the audition requirements may be accepted.  If you have any questions, please send us an email! These players may perform on 1-2 pieces, at the discretion of the Artistic Director and Philharmonic/Strings Conductor .