Youth Orchestras
Youth Orchestras
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Youth Orchestras program provides student musicians with an authentic, professional orchestra experience. A core focus of the program is to provide exceptional artistic training, and transformative experiences that impart a strong sense of discipline, accomplishment, confidence, and self-esteem; provide a network of camaraderie and establish a deep appreciation for music and the arts.
The program is an enhancement to, not a substitute for, existing school music programs. The Philharmonic encourages students to enroll as a member of their school orchestra and/or band program, if one exists and it fits within the student's academic plan.
With various performance opportunities throughout the region, musicians in the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Youth Orchestras play a wide range of orchestral repertoire from the great classics to pops. Student musicians receive unique, professional opportunities that may include:
- National and International Performance Tours
- Coaching with Philharmonic musicians
- Side-by-side performances with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic
- Access to special events, including master classes and guest artist visits
- Complimentary tickets to select Philharmonic concerts
- Scholarship opportunities for private lessons and summer music camp study
- Instrument loan opportunities
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Youth Orchestras program is open to all student musicians in the greater Fort Wayne area who have not yet graduated high school.
The Youth Orchestras Program features two ensembles:
Junior Strings Orchestra
The Junior Strings Orchestra is a string orchestra comprised of intermediate level student musicians wishing to gain large ensemble experience.
The Junior Strings Orchestra rehearses on Sundays from 3:15-4:15 p.m. in Rhinehart Rehearsal Room 120 on the Purdue Fort Wayne Campus.
Youth Symphony Orchestra
The Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO) is an advanced full symphony orchestra that provides an in-depth study of orchestral repertoire. This performance ensemble is geared toward high school students and advanced middle school students. Additional opportunities may include an annual concerto competition with winners to perform with the Youth Symphony.
The YSO rehearses on Sundays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in Rhinehart Rehearsal Room 120 on the Purdue Fort Wayne Campus.
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2022-2023 SEASON
November 13, 2022: Fall Concert
November 23, 2022: Night of Lights
March 11, 2023: FAME Festival
March 12, 2023: Spring Concert
May 21, 2023: Finale Concert
2023-2024 Audition Information
2022-2023 Youth Orchestras Participant Information
Contact Youth Education and Family Concert Conductor, Troy Webdell, for more information