Norwalk Youth Symphony

Announces 2009 Auditions & New Sunday Rehearsals

NORWALK — Norwalk Youth Symphony (NYS) will be holding auditions for its 54th season August 29 through September 4. Young musicians in grades 4-12 who play stringed, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments are invited to register for an audition. Advanced third graders are also encouraged to apply. Auditions are by appointment only.

NYS is one of the premier youth symphonies in the United States. The 53rd season closed with the Principal and Concert orchestras performing at Tanglewood while the Prelude and Philharmonia orchestras won first place in the Music in the Parks competition.

The upcoming season will include an NYS European Performance Tour to Italy. NYS is comprised of approximately 250 students from 30 towns throughout Fairfield, New Haven, Litchfield and Westchester counties. The organization sponsors five tiered orchestras: Prelude Orchestra, an entry-level orchestra for string players; Philharmonia String Orchestra, a more advanced string orchestra that provides a transition to the more difficult repertoire that will be performed in Concert Orchestra; Philharmonia Orchestral Winds, an entry-level wind ensemble that prepares orchestral woodwind and brass players for the more difficult repertoire that will be performed in Concert Orchestra; Concert Orchestra, a full orchestra performing on an intermediate level; and Principal Orchestra, a full orchestra performing advanced repertoire.

Auditions will be schedules is as follows: Saturday and Monday, August 29 and 31, violin; Tuesday, September 1, cello; Wednesday, September 2, viola, bass and harp; Thursday, September 3, brass and percussion; and Friday, September 4, woodwinds.

Also, NYS will be changing its rehearsal time from Saturday mornings to Sunday afternoons beginning in September. Rehearsals will take place at Norwalk City Hall.

Scholarship assistance is available. For registration forms, deadlines and audition requirements visit NorwalkYouthSymphony.org, email NYS Executive Director Sara Watkins at NYSed@optonline.net, or call the NYS office at 203-866-4100.