Students in Team Mozart—the youngest musicians of the Winston-Salem Symphony’s P.L.A.Y. Music program—graduated recently from the paper violins on which they learn respect for the instrument and proper holding technique for little hands, to their very own real violins! Learn more about P.L.A.Y. Music
The Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestras (WSSYO) strive to foster the greatest artistic and personal development of young musicians by providing them with experiences that challenge and develop their musical abilities, inspire imagination and excellence, and create future stewards of the arts.
The Deets: August 2026Date and location announced soon. What’s Required? An audition fee must be received in order to reserve an audition time. You can pay securely online during registration. Scholarships are available. To apply for a Youth Orchestras Program Tuition Scholarship, download and complete the following form and return as indicated with accompanying materials.
WSSYO Audition Information Read More »
The Winston-Salem Symphony’s new and exciting Instrument Petting Zoo travels to area classrooms, community events and WS Symphony performances to give both children and adults the opportunity to see and hear the different instruments of the orchestra – up close and personal!
The WSS Instrument Petting Zoo! Read More »
Margaret Rehder and Ryane Dunnagan lead our talented students in rehearsals and concerts each year. Each conductor brings a wealth of experience in musicianship and education, guiding their respective orchestras to their full potential performance after performance.
WSSYO Conductors & Staff Read More »
The Youth Symphony’s most recent concert tour took them to Washington, D.C. in April, 2018. The three-day tour to Washington DC was both educational and fun! The orchestra performed two concerts of patriotic music for large audiences at Union Station and a Veteran’s Retirement Home.
In 2007 the Youth Orchestras became an official part of the Winston-Salem Symphony Association with added resources of the WSS Music Director Robert Moody and Executive Director Merritt Vale. The Winston-Salem Symphony, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), and Wake Forest University continue to offer invaluable resources and sponsorship of the Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestras program. Parent volunteers contribute many hours to help the orchestras function.
History of the WSSYO Read More »
Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestras
201 N. Broad St., Ste. 200
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: (336) 725.1035
Fax: (336) 725.3924
