KW Symphony Youth Orchestra Program
From its beginnings in 1966 with the Kitchener-Waterloo Junior Symphony, the KWS Youth Orchestra Program (YOP) has grown into a nationally recognized orchestral training program for young musicians. Today, the YOP consists of four orchestras in progressive levels: Preludium Strings (introductory ensemble), Youth Strings (junior ensemble), Youth Sinfonia (intermediate orchestra) and the Youth Orchestra (senior level). In addition the YOP includes a large brass ensemble, the Valhalla Brass, and runs a comprehensive Chamber Music Program under the tutelage of the Bremen String Quartet.
The KWS Youth Orchestra Program offers weekly rehearsals, sectionals coached by KWS musicians, retreats, chamber music training, specialized sessions with guest coaches, community outreach performances, side-by-side performances with other YOP ensembles and with the KWS, concerts by all large ensembles and chamber music ensembles, and four major concerts per season in Raffi Armenian Theatre of The Centre in the Square. The KWS YOP also provides a field trip, "Youth Orchestra Night @ the KW Symphony", and a concerto competition.
