Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Program
September 12, 2021-April 3, 2022
UW-Stevens Point Campus-Noel Fine Arts Center
Fine Arts, See Stevens Point Offerings

​Symphony Orchestra header-resized.jpg
September 12, 2021-April 3, 2022
Noel Fine Arts Center

The Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra welcomes our new Music Director/Conductor, Richard Brunson, D.M.A.!

Richard Brunson is an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at Marshfield where he conducts the performing ensembles and teaches music theory, conducting, and music appreciation. The Central Chamber Chorale appointed Richard as Artistic Director in 2017. In August 2019, he was the second-place winner in the London Classical Soloist conducting competition under the direction of Achim Holub. In 2019, Richard also guest conducted the Desert Winds in Las Vegas, Nev. and in February 2020, he was the guest conductor of the Associació Musical El Verger in Valencia, Spain. In his spare time, Richard enjoys reading mysteries, historical fiction, the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, travel, and leisurely bike rides in the summer. 

"I am very excited to join the CWYSOP family. I love working with young musicians, and I know we will enjoy making music together." ~ Richard Brunson

Please continue to actively keep music in your lives and feel free to reach out to any of our staff members below if you have questions at this time.

​Registration Information

2021-2022 registration is open!


Registration fees:
  • $310-Symphony Orchestra
  • $215-Philharmonia

Printable Registration Form

​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



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


Symphony Orchestra

Under the direction of Richard Brunson, D.M.A., 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

Under the direction of Stephan Wucherer, 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.

Percussion Ensemble

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

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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 (contact Music Director, Richard Brunson, D.M.A at rbrunson@uwsp.edu  .
  • 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.

Audition Form





  1. All CWYSOP members who are returning for 2021-22 need not audition at this time.
  2. New members who wish to perform in the Symphony Orchestra will need to audition for placement seating (print/complete Audition Form above).
  3. Tentatively scheduled audition dates: Saturday, August 28, 2021 and September 4, 2021
  4. Print the above form, complete, and bring your audition form to the audition.
  5. Email the Music Director, Richard Brunson, D.M.A., at rbrunson@uwsp.edu regarding questions and/or to schedule your audition.
  6. New members enrolling in the Philharmonia do not need to audition.

 Rehearshals and Schedules

2021-2022 Academic Schedule

Mandatory Parent/Student Meeting

Date: Sunday, September 12, 2021
Check-in/Registration Available: 1 p.m.
Meeting Start Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Michelsen Hall (UW-Stevens Point, Noel Fine Arts Center)

Please arrive by 1:30 p.m. at the latest to check-in your child. If your child is not registered and has not paid before September 12, 2021, there will be a registration table available. Only students who are registered/paid with all paperwork turned in will be allowed into Michelson Hall and be able to attend the first rehearsal.

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
Percussion Ensemble: 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Room 241-then proceed to regular CWYSOP ensemble rehearsal

 

​Rehearsal Schedule

​
​September 12
​rehearsal #1 (mandatory parent/student meeting 2 p.m. Michelsen Hall
​September 19
​rehearsal #2
​September 26
​rehearsal #3
​October 3
​rehearsal #4
​October 10
​NO REHEARSAL (CWSO Concert date)
​October 17
​rehearsal #5
​October 24
​rehearsal #6
​October 31
​rehearsal #7
​November 7
​rehearsal #8
​November 14
​rehearsal #9
​Saturday, November 20
​DRESS REHEARSAL-Location TBD - 3-7 p.m.
2:30-4 p.m. Philharmonia
4:15-5 p.m. Percussion Ensemble
5:15-7 p.m. Symphony Orchestra
​Sunday, November 21
​CONCERT-Location TBA 4 p.m. (ticketed event)
​Winter break
​
​January 9
​rehearsal #1
​January 16
​rehearsal #2
​January 23
​rehearsal #3
January 30
​rehearsal #4
February 6
​rehearsal #5
​February 13
​NO REHEARSAL (CWSO Concerts-TBD)
​February 20
​rehearsal #6
​February 27
​rehearsal #7
​March 6
​rehearsal #8
​March 13
​rehearsal #9
​March 20
​rehearsal #10
​March 27
​rehearsal #11
​Saturday, April 2
​DRESS REHEARSAL-Location TBA 3-7 p.m.
2:30-4 p.m. Philharmonia
4:15-5 p.m. Percussion Ensemble
5:15-7 p.m. Symphony Orchestra
​Sunday, April 3
​​CONCERT-Location TBA 4 p.m. (ticketed event)

 

Printable Rehearsal Schedule




 Please see Audition Information for Audition Dates for 2021-2022.

 Program Handbook 2021-2022
CWYSOP 2021-2022 Program Handbook


 Scholarship Information
CWYSOP Scholarships.png

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 16, 2021.
  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 Packet
(please print and complete)






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 16, 2021.

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

CWYSOP About Us (1).png

​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


Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Richard Brunson

Philharmonia Conductor: Stephan Wucherer

Percussion Director: Brian Baldauff

Advisory Board Members

  • Stacey Berk, UW-Stevens Point Music Department, Professor of Oboe
  • Richard Brunson, CWYSOP Music Director/Conductor; Associate Professor, Music Department, UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield
  • Patricia D'Ercole, Former Director, Aber Suzuki Center
  • Jodi Engum Kryshak, CWYSOP Program Coordinator
  • Anne Rogalski, UWSP Continuing Education, COFAC Outreach Program Manager
     

​Program Contacts

 
Richard Brunson, Ph.D.
rbrunson@uwsp.edu

Stephan Wucherer
swucherer@gmail.com

Brian Baldauff
bbaldauf@uwsp.edu

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

Program Assistant - TBA





 Become a Program Supporter!

 CWYSOP Supporter.png

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

 2021-2022 Concerto Competition

Plans are underway for a spring of 2022 Concerto Competition and concert. Stay tuned for details.

 Facebook

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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 via email to the Program Assistant. 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.