WWSYO provides an unique opportunity to rehearse and perform in a large, full-symphonic ensemble alongside other musicians from across the region. This ensemble includes strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Musicians rehearse weekly with Bruce Walker, and perform 2-3 concerts each year.

Schedule

Spring 2023 rehearsals will be Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30, from February 14 through May 15, with one Sunday afternoon "Rehearse-a-thon" on March 3 and the Spring Concert on May 22.

A full rehearsal and concert calendar can be viewed on Google Calendar or in PDF format. Please note that this calendar is subject to change but that we hope to stick to it!

Location

Most rehearsals are held in the Pioneer Middle School orchestra room. Thanks to Mrs. Woods for the space! Occassionally, due to building use conflicts, a rehearsal may be held at the Walla Walla High School orchestra room. Concerts, Dress Rehearsals, and Rehearse-a-thons are held at Chism Hall on Whitman College Campus.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to participate in WWSYO, you must also be enrolled in your school's music program, if one is offered. Please contact us if you are not sure that you are eligible!

Although this program is designed for musicians in grades 8-12, exceptions can be made! We welcome registrations from younger musicians who are up for the challenge of a higher level orchestra.

Auditions

Please prepare 2-5 minutes of musical material which demonstrates your technical and lyrical ability on your instrument.

Auditions will be taken throughout the month of February for Spring session - this means a student can join WWSYO for the first several rehearsals while still preparing an audition. All students will need to audition, even if they were enrolled in WWSYO in the previous year - but students who already auditioned for the Fall 2023 Season do not need to re-audition for Spring.

Virtual Auditions: You can record yourself performing this material on a phone, tablet, or other device if you choose to audition virtually, and you will receive a link to submit your audition video via email upon submission of this form, at the email address you provide. You may submit your audition video any time between when you register and February 29th.

In-person Auditions: You may choose to request an in-person audition  with WWSYO Director Bruce Walker when you complete this registration form. These auditions will be held after rehearsals on February 14, 21, and 28.

Communication

We seend weekly emails to all participants and their parents/guardians with general information about rehearsals, extra musical opportunities, free concert tickets to Walla Walla Symphony events and other partnering musical events, and other announcements. Please be sure to provide a working email address during registration, where you will receive these emails!

Questions

Please direct all questions to emily@wwsymphony.org.