Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Program
September 11, 2022 - April 2, 2023
UW-Stevens Point Campus-Noel Fine Arts Center

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As of May 2023, the Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Program is now part of the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra. Please vi​sit cwso.org and select “Youth Symphony Program”​ for 2023-24 registration and information. 

​​​CWYSOP is a regional symphony orchestra program serving middle school and high school student musicians with a full Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia, and extensive partnerships with nationally renowned faculty in the state-of-the-art facilities of the Noel Fine Arts Center on the UW-Stevens Point campus.

Jodi Engum Kryshak, Program Coordinator, jodi.engum.kryshak@uwsp.edu

Stephan Wucherer, CWYSOP Music Director, swucherer@gmail.com​​

​Registration Information

​Our Mission


The Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Program (CWYSOP) provides a high quality symphonic performing experience for committed middle-level and high school students who, with other like-minded musicians, wish to perform great symphonic literature, raise their level of playing, and nurture their love of music.

​Program 2022-23



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.

The Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Program is forever grateful to its founding Music Director/Conductor, Kurt Van Tiem, for his vision of creating a regional youth symphony program.

​Ensembles 2022-23


Symphony Orchestra

Under the direction of Music Director, Stephan Wucherer, this ensemble performs standard orchestral repertoire. Members generally have three or more years of ensemble experience and perform at an advanced level. The ensemble performs two concerts each season and tours when available. Members receive sectional coaching from UW-Stevens Point music education majors and master classes from Music Department and Aber Suzuki faculty.

Philharmonia

The Philharmonia (non-auditioned ensemble) performs string and full orchestra literature from the middle school to younger high school levels. Students should have two to three years of playing experience. The ensemble performs two concerts per season. Members receive sectional coaching from UW-Stevens Point music education majors and master classes from Music Department and Aber Suzuki faculty. (Conductor soon to be announced)

Percussion Ensemble - Percussion sectionals take place during regular rehearsal times.

The CWYSOP Percussion Ensemble is required for CWYSOP percussion members. Led by Brian Baldauff, Director of Percussion Studies at UW-Stevens Point and assisted by current music majors in the percussion studio, the Ensemble offers an engaging, fun, and supportive experience, focused on the mission of improving skills in musicianship, technique, and ensemble playing. The rehearsals coincide with CWYSOP rehearsal dates and feature repertoire from the standard percussion literature and new compositions. Rehearsals and lessons will teach students a well-rounded approach to percussion playing, skills they can also use in their school music programs. Concerts and performances will occur during the CWYSOP season. The ensemble is included as part of the registration fee. 

​Additional Information

 Audition Information 2022-23


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Philharmonia
  • 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.


 Rehearsals and Schedules

All Rehearsals-Sundays | UW-Stevens Point Noel Fine Arts Center

Philharmonia: 3 - 4:45 p.m. | Room 250

Symphony Orchestra: 3 - 5:15 p.m. | Room 240

MANDATORY PARENT/STUDENT MEETING: SEPTEMBER 11 @ 2 p.m. MICHELSEN HALL

​Rehearsal Schedule




September 11
​rehearsal #1 (mandatory parent/student meeting @ 2 p.m. - Michelsoen Hall)
September 18
​rehearsal #2
September 25
rehearsal #3
October 2
​rehearsal #4
October 9
rehearsal #5
October 16
​rehearsal #6
October 23
​rehearsal #7
​October 30
​rehearsal #8
​November 6
​rehearsal #9
​November 13
​rehearsal #10
Saturday November 19
DRESS REHEARSAL - Location - UWSP Michelsen Hall
2:30 - 4 p.m. Philharmonia
4:15 - 6:30 p.m. Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, November 20
​CONCERT - Location - UWSP Michelsen Hall 5 p.m. (Ticketed Event)
WINTER BREAK
​January 8, 2023
​rehearsal #1
​January 15
​rehearsal #2
​January 22
​rehearsal #3
​January 29
​rehearsal #4
​February 5
​rehearsal #5​

​February 12
​rehearsal #6
​February 19
​rehearsal #7
​February 26
​rehearsal #8
​March 5
​rehearsal #9
​March 12
​rehearsal #10
​March 19​​
​rehearsal #11

​-  Symphony Orchestra rehearsal in Michelsen Hall UWSP NFAC

-  Philharmonia in Room 250 to begin, then sectionals.(Substitute Conductor, Mary Moran)

​March 26

​rehearsal ​​​​​​#12

​-  Philharmonia rehearsal in Michelsen Hall
UWSP NFAC


-  Symphony Orchestra in Room 240 ​​

Saturday, April 1
DRESS REHEARSAL - Location - UWSP NFAC Room 240

3 - 4 p.m.  Philharmonia
4:15 - 6:15 p.m. Symphony Orchestra 


​Sunday, April 2

CONCERT - Location UWSP NFAC- Michelsen Hall  4​ p.m.    (Ticketed event)




 Program Handbook 2022-2023

 Scholarship Information

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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.

Check List for Submitting Scholarship Application

  1. Check with student's school regarding other funding source (discretionary fund, etc.).
  2. Complete scholarship application packet.
  3. Make check payable to UWSP Continuing Education for the application fee.
  4. Mail completed forms and payment to:
      • UWSP Continuing Education
        Old Main 032
        2100 Main Street
        Stevens Point, WI 54481
  5. Must be postmarked or delivered in person before August 15, 2022.
  6. CWYSOP will notify you if your child has been awarded a scholarship.
  7. Once approved, you will receive a registration confirmation via email.

Application Packet

 







Scholarship Application Fees:
  • $15 per student
  • $10 per additional family member
 
The application fee is required and will not be waived.
 
Scholarship applications missing information, forms, and/or the application fee payment will not be considered.
 
Prior scholarship recipients wanting to reapply must completely fill out a scholarship application packet each year.
 
Applications must be postmarked before August 15, 2022.

Contact

 
Questions regarding the status of your child's application, please contact jodi.engum.kryshak@uwsp.edu.
 
Questions regarding registration, please contact Continuing Education Customer Service at 715-346-3838.



 About Us

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​About the Program


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.

Instructors

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 

Brian Baldauff - Director of Percussion Ensemble Program

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.


Advisory Board Members

  • Stacey Berk, UW-Stevens Point Music Department, Professor of Oboe
  • Patricia D'Ercole, Former Director, Aber Suzuki Center
  • Jodi Engum Kryshak, CWYSOP Program Coordinator
  • Mara Prausa, UWSP Continuing Education, Outreach Program Manager, UWSP at Wausau
  • Anne Rogalski, UWSP Continuing Education, COFAC Outreach Program Manager
  • Stephan Wucherer, CWYSOP Music Director
     

​Program Contacts

 
Stephan Wucherer
Music Director, Symphony Orchestra Conductor

Brian Baldauff
Director of Percussion Ensemble Program
bbaldauf@uwsp.edu

Jodi Engum Kryshak
CWYSOP Program Coordinator
jodi.engum.kryshak@uwsp.edu

Kiara Menzia​​​​
UWSP Student, Program Assistant

Colton Maichle
UWSP Student, Percussion Equipment Manager/Student Mentor
cmaic041@uwsp.edu

 Become a Program Supporter!

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Support Music Opportunities for Youth


Non-profit arts organizations such as CWYSOP rely on the generosity of donors in order to provide an ever-increasing level of programming to the young musicians of Central Wisconsin. Donations will also help students in need of financial assistance to participate in the program. Support CWYSOP with a tax-deductible donation.  


Donors will be mentioned in our concert program for their generous support.

Please consider becoming a program supporter by making a donation today!

Questions regarding donations, please contact jodi.engum.kryshak@uwsp.edu.


​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

 2022-2023 Concerto Competition

The Concerto Competition will resume for the 2023-24 season.

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​Attendance Policy


Attendance at all rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. Any conflicts must be submitted immediately in writing at the time of registration, or in an emergency or illness, via email to the Program Assistant, Kiara Menzia, kmenz805@uwsp.edu. Attendance notifications emailed to anyone other than the Program Assistant will not be accepted. Absence notifications via phone, text, or Facebook are not acceptable.

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Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. 

Please contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu.