About the Orchestras
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 divisionWorcester 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 70-80 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 toured the Czech Republic for a 7 days. 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 divisionWorcester Youth Philharmonic (WYP)A full orchestra (winds/brass/percussion/strings) is comprised of younger musicians seeking ensemble experience in a welcoming but hardworking atmosphere. Students learn to play in large full orchestral ensembles, 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 5th 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 4th 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 |
School Music Program Participation Policy:
WYO training and performance opportunities are intended to supplement school music programs. It is the policy of the Worcester Youth Orchestras that each musician participates in his/her school music program, if offered at the musician’s school as part of the school day curriculum. As WYO helps to advocate for the school music programs, music educators help promote and encourage their students to participate in WYO. This policy has been a very important way to build both programs and to build community and a positive reputation for WYO. As regards the school music participation policy, WYO recognizes that some school music classes may conflict with other school core curriculum, electives, and AP classes. In such cases, WYO believes the musician’s family must make the best academic choice for their child.
WYO training and performance opportunities are intended to supplement school music programs. It is the policy of the Worcester Youth Orchestras that each musician participates in his/her school music program, if offered at the musician’s school as part of the school day curriculum. As WYO helps to advocate for the school music programs, music educators help promote and encourage their students to participate in WYO. This policy has been a very important way to build both programs and to build community and a positive reputation for WYO. As regards the school music participation policy, WYO recognizes that some school music classes may conflict with other school core curriculum, electives, and AP classes. In such cases, WYO believes the musician’s family must make the best academic choice for their child.
