Continuing Education and Outreach

• No audition required for participation in Philharmonia.
• Students should have 2-3 years of ensemble and/or private instruction.
• Violin players wishing to play 1st violin must audition on a solo that demonstrates playing proficiency in 3rd and 4th position. Students who have played in the 1st violin section in the previous season do not need to re-audition.
• Violin players in the 1st violin section may choose to audition for the concert master position prior to the first rehearsal on a solo that demonstrates a high level of playing and musicianship.

Symphony Orchestra

• Audition required for admission to Symphony Orchestra.
• Students should be playing at the class A solo level (on WSMA scale) but may audition if playing a class B solo.

 
Students should register for the ensemble that best fits their playing goals/objectives. Younger students may audition for admission, if deemed appropriate by the Music Director, based on the needs of the ensembles. If you are unsure, please contact the Music Director for guidance in this area. Every student's musical journey is unique, and we strive to place students in the ensemble that is best for them and the overall program.

Audition Requirements for Symphony Orchestra

Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba:  
Solo of your choice (class A preferred), one major scale and one melodic minor scale of your choice, chromatic scale demonstrating your full range. 

Percussion:  
Solo or comparable etude of your choice on snare drum or timpani and solo or comparable etude on xylophone or marimba. One major scale, one melodic minor scale and chromatic scale.  

Violin, viola, cello, bass:
Solo of your choice, one major scale and one melodic minor scale of your choice three octaves where possible.

Please note: Scales should be performed as fast as you can play them without mistakes.

1. New members who wish to perform in the Symphony Orchestra will need to audition for placement seating (print/complete Audition Form above).

2. Tentatively scheduled audition dates: TBA

3. Print the above form, complete, and bring your audition form to the audition.
   

4. New members enrolling in the Philharmonia do not need to audition.
   

CWYSOP Scholarships are limited and may be available to students who express a financial need and who pass the audition requirements. If you qualify for free or reduced lunch and need financial assistance, please complete the scholarship application. Amounts may be awarded based on need, available funds, and/or the number of applicants. Scholarships are not based on musical merit.

 

Please Note: Many schools have discretionary funds available for various student educational enrichment opportunities that may help cover the scholarship application fees or the CWYSOP registration fees. Contact the Principal of your school for availability of funds BEFORE submitting this application. Students are required to inform CWYSOP of all other financial assistance they will be receiving for this program.

 

If you will be applying for a scholarship for your child, please do not register online. Instead, follow the check list instructions below.

Application Packet

 

The Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Program (CWYSOP) was founded in 2014 in partnership with UW-Stevens Point Continuing Education, UW-Stevens Point Music Department, Aber Suzuki Center, Heid Music, and regional music educators in Central Wisconsin. Two full symphony orchestras and a percussion ensemble, comprised of over 100 students from over twenty different schools/districts, rehearse weekly in the state-of-the-art facilities at the Noel Fine Arts Center on the UW-Stevens Point campus. Students receive coaching from top music majors and faculty of the UW-Stevens Point Music Department and Aber Suzuki Center faculty.

Stephan Wucherer - Music Director, Symphony Orchestra Conductor

Stephan Wucherer joined the Central  Wisconsin Youth Symphony Program as the Director of the Philharmonia the summer prior to its first season in fall of 2014. He is currently part of the orchestra staff for the Howard-Suamico School District. For the past seven years he has taught at Lineville Intermediate School, and this fall he will be joining the music department Bay Port High School as Director of the String Orchestras. Prior to his work in Howard-Suamico, Mr. Wucherer taught with the Oshkosh Area School District for ten years as a Middle School Orchestra Director and spent several years as the Coordinator for the Elementary Strings Program. For the past 15 years, he has also directed groups at the Rock Infused Orchestra String camp in Neenah acting as both conductor and cello coach, with a focus on non-traditional music. 

Mr. Wucherer attended UW-Oshkosh for his Bachelor's of Music in Cello Performance and went on to attend Butler University in Indianapolis for his Master's of Music. He also holds a Master's of Education from Marian University in Fond du Lac. As a performer Mr. Wucherer has a wide resume over nearly 30 years, performing with many orchestras throughout the state including the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, The Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, and The Water City Chamber Orchestra and others. Mr. Wucherer also spent three years as the Director of the Waupaca Area Orchestra, giving numerous performances at the Gerold Opera House in Weyauwega.

Jodi Engum Kryshak - Program Coordinator

Jodi Engum Kryshak has been the Program Coordinator of the Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Program since its inception and has an extensive background in arts management and non-profit leadership. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from UW-Stevens Point in Art and Music. She served as Executive Director of the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra for over 20 years, as well as Executive Director of the Jensen Community Center, Riverfront Jazz Festival, and was the founding Executive Director of the Portage County Arts Alliance. She has served on many boards of directors related to arts, education, and environmental causes. She and her husband Mark Kryshak (CWYSOP brass section volunteer) enjoy attending and participating in area arts events.

 

Brian Baldauff is Assistant Professor of Percussion at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he teaches applied lessons, percussion methods and pedagogy courses, and directs the UWSP Percussion Ensemble. He is an active performer, clinician and educator, presenting recitals, clinics, and masterclasses across the United States. Brian holds the Doctor of Music degree from The Florida State University, Master of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Central Florida.

​How to Donate

Online: 

When you donate online, you must indicate our account name or number in order for us to receive your gift. Please follow these instructions.

• To make a gift, please visit Give Now | UWSP Foundation and select "other designation".
• Then, type in "9148" or "Youth Symphony Orchestra 9148" in the "other designation" field.

While registering online, you may simply select the link to donate and follow the instructions regarding our account name/number above,

By mail:

Please fill out our supporter form and mail along with your donation to:

UWSP Continuing Education
2100 Main Street, Old Main 032
Stevens Point, WI 54481