The Wiregrass Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO)

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Mark your calendars:

Fall 2010 semester signup: August 21st at 9:00 am at the Dothan Cultural Arts Center Orchestra room

We are proud to give the Wiregrass area youth the opportunity to be involved in the Wiregrass Youth Symphony Orchestra program, administered by the Tri-State Community Orchestra. This is a three level program. The Wiregrass Strings is for students who have never played the violin, viola, cello or bass and the Philharmonia is for students who have been playing for at least one year. The Youth Symphony is by audition, and for the more advanced youth players.

Wiregrass Youth Symphony Orchestra Programs Director for 2010-2011: Sarah Szopinski

Sarah Szopinski has been selected as the Wiregrass Youth Symphony Orchestra Program Director for the Fall 2010 and Winter 2011 semesters. Sarah received a Bachelor of Music degree (Magna Cum Laude) in Instrumental Music Education form St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.  She was awarded departmental distinction while at St. Olaf for her work with a music therapist and children with autism.  She is will complete her Orff Schulwerk Certification at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota in August 2010.  Sarah has taught grades 5-12 Orchstra in Astoria, Oregon and K-5 Genral Music in Fayetteville, Norht Carolina.  Her international teaching experience includes instructing all ages in piano, guitar and choir through a partnership with local churches in Guyana, South America.

Wiregrass Strings
The Wiregrass Strings is for beginning students between the ages of approximately 9 and 19 to learn to play the violin, viola, cello or bass. The program will consist of two 16 week semesters. The Wiregrass Strings meet on Saturday mornings at 9:00 am -10:00 at the Cultural Arts Center, 909 S. St. Andrews St. You may register at the Cultural Arts Center Office, Monday-Friday, 9-5 or at your first attendance of the class. The fee is $165 per semester.

Philharmonia
The Philharmonia is for students between the ages of approximately 9 and 19 who have had a year or more of violin, viola, cello or bass lessons. The program will consist of two 16 week semesters. The Philharmonia meets on Saturday mornings at 10:00 am -11:00 at the Cultural Arts Center, 909 S. St. Andrews St. You may register at the Cultural Arts Center Office, Monday-Friday, 9-5 or at your first attendance of the class. The fee is $165 per semester.

The Youth Symphony
The Youth Symphony is for students between the ages of approximately 9-19 who have been playing a stringed, brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument for at least one year, and are selected after passing an audition.  Call for current non-string instrument needs.  Rehearsal for the Youth Symphony will be at the Cultural Arts Center on Saturdays between 11:00 and 12:15. The fee is $165 per semester

The Wiregrass Strings, Philharmonia, and the Youth Symphony will perform each semester. Music selections will include pieces from Bach to Pop. It’s always a fun time.

We are very excited about this premier program for the Wiregrass area and we know your child will have a great time learning about music through string instrument playing. For further information you may call the Cultural Arts Center office at (334) 699-2787 or Donald or Julie Holmes, WYSO Administrators, at (334) 678-8506.

Sponsor a WYSO Scholarship

Any one wishing to sponsor a scholarship for the WYSO can do so at any time. Contact Donald or Julie Holmes, WYSO Administrators, at (334) 678-8506.

Instruments and material
Available at Art’s Music Shop, Latta-Baldwin Family Music Center and Carousel Music.

Schedule: 2010 WYSO, Philharmonia, and Wiregrass Strings

August 21st: registration and auditions for the Youth Symphony, Philharmonia, and Wiregrass Strings starting at 9:00 am

September 4: No WYSO, Labor Day

November 6: No WYSO Peanut Festival Parade

November 27: No WYSO Thanksgiving Day Weekend

December 18: Christmas Concert, Time and Location To Be Announced

Notes: Sectionals are planned for at least one Saturday in October.  A WYSO performance is plannned at the Mall.  Other performances will be announced as they are booked.