The Wiregrass Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO)

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Wiregrass Youth Symphony Orchestra Programs Director for 2011-2012: Sarah Szopinski

Sarah Szopinski was selected as the Wiregrass Youth Symphony Orchestra Program Director for the Fall 2010 and Winter 2011 semesters. We are thankful to welcome her back for a second year with WYSO.  Sarah received a Bachelor of Music degree (Magna Cum Laude) in Instrumental Music Education from 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 has the Orff Schulwerk Certification from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Sarah has taught grades 5-12 Orchestra in Astoria, Oregon and K-5 General Music in Fayetteville, North 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 highschool graduate 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 highschool graduate 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 and highschool graduate who have been playing a stringed instrument for at least one year, and are selected after passing an audition.  There are openings for a pianist and a limited number of woodwind players.  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.

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) 696-2320.

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

More info:

For further information you may call the Cultural Arts Center office at (334) 699-2787 or Donald or Julie Holmes, WYSO Administrators, at (334) 696-2320.

Schedule: 2011 WYSO, Philharmonia, and Wiregrass String:

August 20, 2011

August 27, 2011

September 3, 2011: NOT meeting, Labor Day weekend

September 10, 2011

September 17, 2011

September 24, 2011

October 1, 2011

October 8, 2011

October 15, 2011

October 22, 2011

October 29, 2011

November 5, 2011

November 12, 2011: NOT meeting, Peanut Festival Parade weekend

November 19, 2011

November 26, 2011: NOT meeting, Thanksgiving weekend

 December 3, 2011

December 10, 2011

December 17, 2011: Concert at the CAC Auditorium, 3:00 pm.  Reception with light refreshments following the concert for all guests.

Winter 2012 Semester times: Wiregrass Strings 9-10 am, Philharmonia 10-11 am, Youth Symphony 11-12:30

January 7, 2012

January 14, 2012

January 21, 2012

January 29, 2012

February 4, 2012

February 11, 2012

February 18, 2012

February 25, 2012

March 3, 2012

March 10, 2012 Tentative: Wiregrass Commons Mall Youth Symphony performance

March 17, 2012

\March 24, 2012

\March 31, 2012

April 7, 2012: NOT meeting: Easter Weekend

April 14, 2012: NOT meeting: Spring Break

April 21, 2012

April 28, 2012

May 5, 2012

May 12, 2012: Concert at the CAC Auditorium, 3:00 pm.  Reception with light refreshments following the concert for all guests.