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 – 7:30 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– 7:30 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 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.
