Wichita Falls Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO)

Who We Are

The Wichita Falls Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO) has been serving Texoma's musical youth since 1992. The YSO provides programs and educational opportunities that lead to exceptional group performances and a lifelong appreciation of music. A musical education positively impacts students through better school attendance, higher academic success, and improved behavior and confidence levels.  

What started as one orchestra has grown to include many performing groups and programs, targeting all skill levels. The Symphonic Orchestra provides advanced musicians the opportunity to perform challenging music in a full orchestral setting, building musical, team and leadership skills through principal chair positions, mentoring younger players, and working with professional coaches. The Philharmonic Orchestra is a preparatory strings group aimed at building skills and musical knowledge to prepare them for eventual Symphonic playing. Collaborations with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra support side-by-side concerts, the Apprentice program, and targeted instrumental coaching.  Summer Strings Camp is an intensive program of music theory, history, musical topics, and performing skills let by highly skilled conductors and coaches.  The Gail Key Academy of Music (GKAM) is in partnership with the WFISD, bringing subsidized strings instructions to elementary students during the school day.          

A foundational belief of the YSO is that EVERY child should have equal opportunity to enjoy the character building benefits of music. Since it's inception, the YSO has aimed to break down any and all socioeconomic barriers that might stand in the way of this happening.  Through low cost membership, scholarships, and fully subsidized string lessons, we continually make this goal a priority!

Today we can empower our artistic youth through music!  This investment is a contribution to colorful, vibrant, and thriving communities tomorrow. Help us continue this mission and make your gift today!