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About Worcester Youth Orchestras in Worcester, MA
For more than seven decades, the Worcester Youth Orchestras (WYO) have been providing Central Massachusetts with a unique musical experience. Founded in 1947 by Harry Levenson, WYO has been dedicated to helping young musicians develop their skills, foster friendships, and learn the value of teamwork, self-discipline, and diligence. With a mission to help the greater Worcester community through accessible live musical performances and cultural enrichment, WYO continues to be a leader in the area’s musical landscape. From its founding in 1947, the Worcester Youth Orchestras (WYO) has been a beacon of hope for young musicians in Central Massachusetts. Led by the vision of Harry Levenson, WYO has provided an enjoyable, educational experience to help young people develop their skills and build life-long relationships. But it is not just the young musicians that benefit from WYO; it has also been providing the greater Worcester community with cultural enrichment through accessible live musical performances. WYO’s mission of providing quality music education and cultural enrichment to the community has been successful for more than 70 years and continues to this day.
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Programs at Worcester Youth Orchestras in Worcester, MA
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WORCESTER YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (WYSO)
WYO’s top orchestra is open to advanced students seeking challenging music and orchestral training. WYSO performs one to two “masterworks” a semester by major composers in addition to smaller works and collaborations with other ensembles. Open to advanced players, admission is through competitive auditions with students in 8th grade and above. Recent works performed are Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 "Choral" with the Nashoba Valley Chorale, Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, and An American in Paris.
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WORCESTER YOUTH PHILHARMONIC (WYP)
A full orchestra (winds/brass/percussion/strings) is comprised of younger musicians seeking ensemble experience in a welcoming but hardworking atmosphere. Students learn to play in large full orchestral ensembles, follow a conductor, and are introduced to the major composers and works. Rehearsals are sometimes divided into string sectionals and the full ensemble. Membership is open to 6th graders and above, with string members being accepted in 5th grade. Admission is through audition, the average size is 50-60 players. WYP usually collaborates with WYSO on one piece per concert. Players are highly encouraged to join WYP and gain the necessary orchestral training before auditioning for WYSO.
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Worcester Youth Jazz Ensemble "Big Band"
This ensemble focuses on traditional and current big band repertoire. The group members are guided through a history of big band arranging and composition, and perform selections from key eras and writers. Focus is placed on ensemble technique, blend, historical practice, interpretation, innovation, and thematic and stylistically appropriate improvisation.
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Worcester Youth Jazz Combos
These small jazz combos perform a wide range of repertoire. An understanding of the jazz tradition and the Great American Songbook coincides with a contemporary interpretation. The ensemble focuses on improvisation, group arranging, non-verbal cues, world music influences, and contextual improvisation.
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Location and contact information
325 Main Street, Worcester, MA, 01608