THE WORCESTER YOUTH ORCHESTRAS FOUNDED IN 1947
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Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra


The Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) is WYO's  top orchestra.  It 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 Beethoven Symphony No. 9 Choral Finale with The Worcester Chorus, Dvorak Symphony Nos. 8 & 9, Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture, Saint Saens Organ Symphony, 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, wind, brass and percussion members also have the benefit of working with monthly coaches and mentors, learning further orchestral and instrumental technique.  In Spring 2016, WYSO traveled to New Jersey and performed with the Drew University Choirs and explored New York City.  In April 2016, WYSO spent  7 days and 6 nights traveling the Quebec Province, NH and VT collaborating with various schools and universities. In February 2019 WYSO traveled to the Czech Republic on a concert tour playing at some of the finest concert halls in Europe.  

WYSO has a major week long tour every other season.
​
Director: Jonathan Brennand, Music Director & Conductor 

Rehearsal Schedule
Every Sunday, 1:30pm to 5:30pm at Trinity Lutheran, Worcester

Concert Schedule:
8-10 performances per season.  See Season Schedule for a complete listing of events.   


Photos courtesy of Andy Weigl
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.
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