Intro and History

Founded in 2003 as the Ridgefield Symphony Youth Orchestra, our organization provides talented young musicians in the Fairfield County Connecticut and Upper Westchester County New York areas with an exceptional musical experience and fosters an awareness and appreciation of the standard symphonic repertoire. Twenty-five young musicians were selected as members of the inaugural youth orchestra, which began weekly rehearsals in January 2003.  In the fall of 2005, the program grew to include a Junior Orchestra which allowed the organization to reach and nurture a broader range of musical talents and abilities. In August 2008, as part of our goal to establish greater recognition of the organization's regional focus, we changed our name to the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra.  Together the Youth and Junior Orchestras currently consist of over seventy-five auditioned musicians in grades four through twelve, hailing from twenty towns in Connecticut and New York.  In the fall of 2010, the WCYO will add a Wind Ensemble to its program offerings.  The Wind Ensemble will provide advanced ensemble opportunities for young and developing woodwind, brass and percussion musicians.

Dedicated musicians are encouraged to audition for a position in one of our orchestras or wind ensemble. Auditions are required for selection into our programs and are held by appointment in June each year (see Auditions for more information).