Logo of Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras, featuring stylized musical notes and vibrant colors.

Founded in 2001, the mission of the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras (WSYO) is to enrich the lives of Cape Fear area youth by providing talented young musicians with unique orchestral training and performing opportunities. WSYO is intended as a complement to school music programs and we strongly encourage our members to participate in their school ensembles.

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  • Click below to purchase concert tickets.

    Concert Tickets

  • The WSYO Handbook is a comprehensive guide designed to help participants understand the expectations, policies, and values of the organization. It contains important information regarding attendance requirements, dress code standards, rehearsal etiquette, and performance guidelines. In addition, the handbook outlines procedures for communication, behavior, and overall participation, ensuring that all members are prepared and aligned. By reviewing the handbook, students and families can stay informed and contribute to a positive, respectful, and successful experience within WSYO.

    WSYO Handbook

  • The Auditions link provides all the essential information needed to prepare for and complete the audition process. It includes details about audition requirements, important dates and deadlines, and step-by-step instructions for submitting your application. This resource helps prospective participants understand what is expected and ensures they are fully prepared for a successful audition experience.

    Auditions Information

  • Please click this link to report any absence from a WSYO event, including rehearsals, performances, or other required activities. Be sure to complete all requested information accurately so staff can keep records up to date and plan accordingly.

    Record Absence

REHEARSAL & CONCERT CALENDAR FOR ALL WSYO ENSEMBLES

PDF VERSION OF CALENDAR

Orchestra members playing instruments during a concert, with sheet music on stands, in a dark performance venue decorated with blue string lights.

Auditions

The Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras welcome new students to audition for the upcoming semester.

The Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras were organized to serve as a supplement, not as a replacement for school music programs. You are strongly encouraged to participate in your school's orchestra or band.

Audition Date: Wednesday, Sept. 16 and Thursday, September 17, 2027

  • Junior Strings auditions are Wednesday, Sept. 16 only.

  • Youth Orchestra auditions will be held on both dates. If you have a preferred audition date, please indicate it on your application. Otherwise, musicians will be assigned at random to one of the two audition dates: September 16 or September 17.

WSYO SEASON SPONSORS:

Jerry A. and Marilyn S. Cook Family Foundation

WSYO CONCERT SPONSORS

FOUNDATION & COMMUNITY SUPPORT

THE ESHELMAN FOUNDATION

Logo of the National Endowment for the Arts featuring bold black text and red and blue lines, with a web address arts.gov.