Opportunity for youth musicians with Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, applications now being accepted!

Opportunity abounds for area youth musicians with the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra (WCYO) as the April 18th application deadline approaches for its summer 2022 Charles Ives Music Festival (CIMF) Chamber Music Intensive program (August 1-5) and combined Chamber and Orchestra Program (August 8-14).

Applications are also being accepted for the WCYO’s three primary ensembles - Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble - for the 2022-23 school year season.  WCYO programs offer fun, exciting, and challenging experiences for youth musicians with a passion for music and performance.

The CIMF summer program offers aspiring musicians the opportunity to perform side-by-side in chamber music groups with world-class artist-faculty and in the CIMF orchestra led by WCYO Music Director Eric Mahl.  Additionally, there is a dynamic opportunity for youth composers to workshop an original composition as part of the program. CIMF artist-faculty hold positions in major American orchestras, lead renowned chamber ensembles, and perform on Broadway. 

The two-week Festival will take place August 1st through 14th on the beautiful campus of the Wooster School on the Ridgefield and Danbury border and will feature multiple concert performances. Auditions are required and will be held in-person on April 24th in Ridgefield, or via a video submission.  For complete details please click here to view the digital brochure or visit Charles Ives Music Festival. The application deadline is Monday, April 18, 2022 for the summer program.

WCYO’s core program features three ensembles for musicians in 5th through 12th grades and an audition is required for participation.  Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings in Ridgefield, CT throughout the school year and follow the Ridgefield Public Schools holiday schedule. The Fall, Winter and Spring seasons each conclude with a concert in area venues such as the Anne S. Richardson Auditorium at Ridgefield High School, Clune Auditorium at Wilton High School, and the Visual & Performing Arts Center at Western Connecticut State University. 

The WCYO experience is designed to develop artistry and technique, as well as profound understanding and appreciation of instrumental music. Our members are challenged not only to perform at the highest level, but also to build character, creativity, and self-esteem, with music as their guide. Additional opportunities include an annual retreat, community service performances, a concerto competition, and the CIMF chamber music program. Auditions and a modest annual tuition are required, with financial assistance and merit scholarships available for qualifying musicians in all WCYO programs through the support of its generous community partners. Additionally, WCYO families and its board of directors provide a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior each year.

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 String Orchestra is an intermediate string ensemble for advancing middle school and early high school musicians. The Wind Ensemble is comprised of woodwind, brass and percussion advancing middle school and high school musicians.

The audition requirements and application are available on the WCYO website at wctyo.org/auditions. Youth musicians interested in auditioning should review the requirements with their private music teacher and contact WCYO via email at wcyo@wctyo with any questions.

Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra is based in Ridgefield, CT and is celebrating its 20th season in service to youth musicians from more than 20 towns in the surrounding Connecticut and New York communities. To learn more about WCYO please visit wctyo.org or call 203-894-8786.