Youth Orchestra
The Youth Orchestra, our full orchestra, was founded in 1974 and serves, on average, 100 students each year from grades 9-12. This group of young musicians performs two concerts per season - one in fall and one in spring. They often perform on tours and exchanges and have participated in clinics. While on tour, they perform in local schools, businesses and assisted living facilities. The tour gives the Youth Symphony an opportunity to give back to the Fox Valley and provides an exceptional educational experience for all students.
David Becker, director of orchestral studies at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music , will serve as the interim conductor for Fall 2011. The search for a permanent Youth Orchestra conductor is currently underway.
Concert Orchestra The Fox Valley Symphony Youth Orchestras program announces a new third orchestra named Concert Orchestra.
The Concert Orchestra is our new advanced all-strings orchestra that will become the middle group between Philharmonia and Youth Orchestra. We have initiated this group to be a full time orchestra for 2011-12 with dedicated rehearsals on Sundays from 4:30-6:30 pm. The orchestra will work to further develop the artistic and technical skills of strings players. At least three years of ensemble experience is required. All students are expected to play two-three octave scales, one minor scale and play at Suzuki Book 6 level or equivalent (see links at the bottom of the page for requirements).
Greg Austin, conductor of Philharmonia, currently teaches orchestra at Roosevelt Middle School and Edison, Columbus, and Franklin Elementary Schools in the Appleton Area School District. Previous to working in Appleton, he taught orchestra classes at all levels in the Menasha Joint School District. He attended UW--Stevens Point and UW--Madison, where he received a bachelor's degree in instrumental music education. While at UW--Madison he received the Richard C. Church award for outstanding student in music education, as well as working for the Wisconsin Youth Symphonies as music librarian and chamber music coach. Mr. Austin serves as Assistant Principal Second Violin for the Green Bay Symphony. He has also performed as a member of the Madison Symphony and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, where he served as Principal Second Violin for many summer seasons. For three summers, Mr. Austin also directed the summer orchestra at the Lakeland College Music Camp.
Philharmonia
Philharmonia, our string orchestra, was founded in 1979 and serves, an average, 70 students from grades 7 - 10. This group performs with the Youth Orchestra at the Fall and Spring concerts. They also participate in our weekend retreat, sectionals and masterclasses. Touring was added to this group in 2007.
Tuition and Fees Annual tuition is $365 for Youth Orchestra, $330 for Concert Orchestra and $265 for Philharmonia. Financial assistance is available.
