Founded in 1981, the Westmoreland Youth Symphony Philharmonic, Morrie Brand, director, provides talented young area musicians with a high quality orchestral experience. Since many area school districts do not have active orchestra programs, WYSO Philharmonic is the only orchestral performance outlet for many area players. If you are a high school or college student, we encourage you to audition. Enjoy learning and performing great music taken from the wide, wonderful orchestral repertoire – imagine the experience of making music with a group of peers who share your love of the art! Attend weekly rehearsals; sectionals will be spaced throughout the year.
Rehearsals
WYSO rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9:00 at Seton Hill University’s Performing Arts Center in Greensburg, check back for fall 2012-2013 dates. Coaching sessions are provided by Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra members and other area professional musicians. The spring semester will run from February 1-May 1, 2012. Spring tuition is $180.
Music to be performed this semester includes Brahms Academic Festival Overture and the first movement of his Second Symphony. Other pieces include the music from Empire Strikes Back Medley by John Williams.
Concerts
Concerts are held at the end of each of the two terms, which run from August-November and February-May. WYSO’s spring concert was held at Seton Hill University’s Performing Arts Center on May 6, 2012.
Auditions
WYSO is open to high school and college students, and in some cases, to talented middle school students. Openings exist in all string sections, as well as clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone and percussion sections of the orchestra. Check back for audition dates. For more information, call 412-216-1970 or email Ramona at wysorc@verizon.net.
Audition Excerpts
Bass
Bassoon
Clarinet
Horn
Trombone
Trumpet
Viola
Violin I
Violin II
Audition requirements:
-Scales: two octaves, up to four sharps and four flats
-Excerpts from the WSO website
-A solo piece of your choice (unaccompanied)
All violinists are encouraged to prepare Violin I excerpts. If these excerpts are too difficult, violinists may audition using Violin II excerpts.
Concerto Competition
A concerto competition, open to WYSO Philharmonic members only, is offered each year. The winner performs a movement from a concerto with WYSO at the spring concert.
String Ensemble
String Ensemble is a junior high level group similar to the WYSO Philharmonic. No audition is required for this ensemble. Please see the Middle School section of our site for more information and registration forms.
Summer String Workshop
What: Daily string orchestra practice, sectionals and chamber music
When: August 2012, dates to be determined
Where: Greensburg-Salem Middle School
For more information on our Youth Orchestra, contact the WYSO Philharmonic manager, Ramona Coppage at wysorc@verizon.net or the WSO office at 724-837-1850. Check out the WYSO Philharmonic on Facebook!