The Westmoreland Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) was founded in 1981 to provide area music students with a high-quality, educational experience in playing and appreciating orchestral music.
2024-2025 Dates
Fall Concert: November 24, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. learn more
New location: Norwin High School
251 McMahon Dr, North Huntingdon, PA 15642
Spring Start Date: February 2, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Spring Concert: May 4, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Our Ensembles (click on group to learn more)
- WYSO 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.
- WYSO Philharmonia: The perfect stepping stone for young musicians, this intermediate-level ensemble is likely to be the first experience for young musicians to play in an ensemble of woodwinds, brass, and strings.
- WYSO 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.
(required for ALL students)
CONCERTS
November 24, 2024 – 7:30 p.m. (Performers arrive at 6:00 p.m.)
Spring Concert: May 4, 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, September 8, 2024, at 6:00pm.
AUDITIONS
Auditions are required for all students interested in joining the Philharmonic or Philharmonia.
Contact Ramona Coppage 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
- String Ensemble: $70/semester (pending enrollment)
- Philharmonic: $170/semester ($325/year)
- Philharmonia: $115/semester ($220/year)
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.
