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WYSSO Wind Musicians

Academy of Music

The Academy of Music was founded in 1981 to provide area music students with a high-quality, educational experience in playing and appreciating orchestral music.

2025 Dates

The fall semester begins August 31, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Seton Hill University’s Performing Arts Center
100 Harrison Avenue, Greensburg, PA 15601

Our Ensembles (click on group to learn more)

  • Philharmonic: Under the direction of Adam Gillespie, the Philharmonic is an auditioned ensemble comprised of high school and advanced middle school musicians that performs music from the standard orchestral repertoire.
  • Philharmonia: The perfect stepping stone for young string musicians, this intermediate-level ensemble is likely to be the first experience for young musicians to play in an ensemble of strings.
  • String Ensemble: Designed for elementary school string players, this training ensemble nurtures the talent of even the youngest or most inexperienced musicians. WYSO String Ensemble is offered pending sufficient ensemble registration.
  • Wind Symphony: New! For intermediate to advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion students eager to develop their skills in a collaborative setting. Directed by Ryan Czekaj. They rehearse Sunday evenings from 6-7:30 p.m. at Seton Hill Performing Arts Center starting September 7, 2025.

 (required for ALL students)

CONCERTS


November 23, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
Seton Hill Performing Arts Center
100 Harrison Ave, Greensburg, PA 15601

REHEARSALS

Sunday evenings at Seton Hill University

Philharmonic: 6:00 – 8:30 pm (2.5 hrs)
Philharmonia: 6:00 – 7:30 pm (1.5 hrs)
String Ensemble: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (1 hr)

The first Philharmonic/Philharmonia rehearsal is scheduled for Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

AUDITIONS

Auditions are required for all students interested in joining the Philharmonia and Philharmonic

Contact Ramona Coppage at wysorc@verizon.net to schedule an audition.

Requirements

Brass/Winds:

  • Majors Scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats (two octaves when possible)
  • Concert B-flat chromatic scale (two octaves when possible)
  • Excerpt from an etude or solo of your choosing (2-5 minutes in length)
  • Sight reading

Strings:

  • Majors Scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats (two octaves; three octaves when possible. Legato, staccato, pizzicato)
  • Excerpt from an etude or solo of your choosing (2-5 minutes in length)
  • Sight reading

TUITION
Regular Tuition

  • Philharmonic: $250/semester ($490/year)
  • Philharmonia: $170/semester ($330/year)
  • String Ensemble: $105/semester (pending enrollment)

Second/Third Child Reduced Rate

  • Philharmonic: $170/semester ($325/year)
  • Philharmonia: $115/semester ($220/year)
  • String Ensemble: $70/semester (pending enrollment)

Payment can be made via check, cash, or card (3% service fee applies).

Note: Need-based scholarships are available to a number of students. To be considered, please complete the scholarship application (link below) and Michael Rozell will be in contact with you after a determination has been made. 

2025-2026 Season

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