Youth Philharmonic 2021

WSS Youth Orchestras Program

The Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestras strive to foster the greatest artistic and personal development of young musicians by providing them with experiences that challenge and develop their musical abilities, inspire imagination and excellence, and create future stewards of the arts. We carry out this mission by embracing the following core beliefs: Excellence, Inspiration, Collaboration, and Inclusion.

The WSSYO is currently comprised of two full orchestras and two string orchestras for aspiring musicians in the first through twelfth grades:

  • Premiere Strings, a strings only orchestra for young musicians who are new to the experience of playing in an ensemble with a conductor.
    Mondays, 5:30-6:25pm // Paisley Magnet School (1394 Thurmond Street, Winston-Salem)

  • Chamber Sinfonia, a strings-only orchestra for young musicians with more advanced skills who are preparing for the full-orchestra experience.
    Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm // Paisley Magnet School (1394 Thurmond Street, Winston-Salem)

  • Youth Philharmonic, a full orchestra for intermediate-level students of 70-80 members. Students learn the essentials for playing in a large orchestra.
    Mondays, 7:00-8:30pm // Paisley Magnet School (1394 Thurmond Street, Winston-Salem)

  • Youth Symphony, a full orchestra of advanced-level students comprised of 60-75 members. These students have a passion for music and stand out in our schools and community for their tremendous talent.
    Sundays, 6:00-8:30pm // UNCSA School of Music (newer building) Rm. 167

Each orchestra rehearses once a week throughout the school year, and each orchestra performs several public concerts annually as well as occasional concerts for special audiences. The schedule of rehearsals and performances is distributed to all participants and periodically updated.

Annual tuition costs for each group are:

  • Premiere Strings $250.00
  • Chamber Sinfonia $250.00
  • Youth Philharmonic $305.00
  • Youth Symphony $355.00

There are various discounts available, as well as payment options. In addition, there are scholarship monies available (by application and WSSYO Committee vetting process).

23-24 YOP Student Registration: playing with us? Fill out the form!

Parents: you can pay your student tuition easily and securely online!

Visit our “Backstage” page for parents and members to view schedules and other useful info

Questions? Please contact Youth Orchestras Manager Charley Bryant via email: cbryant@wssymphony.org

Youth Philharmonic 2021

Auditions

The Youth Orchestras Program regularly holds auditions in late May and late August for the following academic year, and also holds a Summer Festival and an Audition Workshop in July/August.

Youth Philharmonic 2021

History

Founded in 1973 under the auspices of the UNC School of the Arts, the Youth Orchestras became an official part of the Winston-Salem Symphony Association in 2007.

Youth Philharmonic 2021

Conductors & Staff

Each conductor brings a wealth of experience in musicianship and education, guiding their respective orchestras to their full potential performance after performance.

2023/2024 Concerts

The WSS Youth Orchestras Program performs several times throughout the year in exciting programs that are as fun to hear as they are to play. Enjoy any of our upcoming concerts!

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