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.
2026 Dates
WYSO begins August 30, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Seton Hill University’s Performing Arts Center
100 Harrison Avenue, Greensburg, PA 15601
Concert: November 15, 2026 – 4 p.m. at Seton Hill Performing Arts Center
Our Ensembles:
- Philharmonic: Under the direction of Adam Gillespie, WYSO 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. String Ensemble is offered pending sufficient ensemble registration.
- Wind Symphony: 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 August 30, 2026
(required for all students )
CONCERT
Concert: November 15, 2026– 4 p.m.
Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center
100 Harrison Ave, Greensburg, PA 15601
REHEARSALS
Sunday evenings at Seton Hill University
Philharmonic: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. (2.5 hrs)
Philharmonia: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. (1.5 hrs)
Wind Symphony: 6-7:30 p.m. (1.5 hrs)
String Ensemble: 6 – 7 p.m. (1 hr)
AUDITIONS
Audition Dates
Auditions for Philharmonic and Philharmonia are August 22 and 23 beginning at 10 a.m.
Auditions will be held at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center.
951 Old Salem Rd., Greensburg
Auditions are required for all students interested in joining the Philharmonic or Philharmonia.
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
- Philharmonic per semester – $258.00
- Philharmonic for the year – $505.00
- Philharmonic 2nd/3rd child discount – $175.00
- Philharmonia per semester – $175.00
- Philharmonia for the year – $340.00
- Philharmonia 2nd/3rd child discount – $118.00 Philharmonia – Seton Hill Honors Orchestra – $87.00
- String Ensemble per semester – $108.00
- String Ensemble 2nd/3rd child discount – $72.00
- Wind Symphony per semester – $175.00
- Wind Symphony 2nd/3d child discount – $118.00
- Wind Symphony Seton Hill Honors Band – $87.00
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.
