Western Connecticut
Youth Orchestra
The Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra (WCYO) is comprised of two primary auditioned ensembles described below. Together the Symphony Orchestra and String Ensemble consist of musicians ages ten to eighteen from over 25 towns in Connecticut and the neighboring New York area. Dedicated musicians are encouraged to audition for a position in a WCYO ensemble.
Symphony Orchestra
The WCYO Symphony Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra made up of advanced string, woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians ranging in age from 13 to 18. The ensemble performs professional orchestral repertoire, from staples of the classical genre to music of the 21st century. In the past, the Symphony Orchestra has performed works such as Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Mussorgsky/Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherezade, as well as many other masterworks. Wind, brass, and percussion musicians in the Symphony Orchestra also participate in an advanced concert band with musicians from the WCYO Wind Ensemble. Symphony Orchestra musicians frequently work with professional guest musicians in a sectional format, have the opportunity to premier original compositions, and participate in community engagement activities.
String Orchestra
The WCYO String Orchestra is an intermediate string ensemble for advancing middle school and early high school musicians. This group focuses on strengthening the various fundamentals of ensemble performance and comprehensive string instruction and performs intermediate to advanced-level traditional and contemporary repertoire. String Orchestra musicians frequently work with professional guest musicians in a sectional format, have the opportunity to collaborate in performance with the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble musicians, and participate in community engagement activities.
WCYO Board of Directors and Staff
The members of the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra Board of Directors represent diverse areas of talent and expertise. We are fortunate to have each of them working behind the scenes to guide our organization.