ABOUT US...

The Woodbury Youth Orchestra was formed in 1999 from a grass-roots effort by parents, educators, and others who were interested in fostering an opportunity for local string students to play in an orchestral setting.  Because this opportunity was not available in the local school districts, another venue needed to be developed.  With the encouragement of the Woodbury Fine Arts Council, a public meeting for interested citizens was held in the fall of 1998.  From this first meeting, a core group of citizens was formed to research and study the possibility of forming a youth orchestra.

The first activity planned and carried out by this group was a Summer Camp in July of 1999. This camp was attended by over 100 students.  The first youth orchestra began during the fall of 1999 under the direction of Elizabeth Barnes.  Patricia Anderson, the current music director, came to us in January of 2000.  The orchestra program continued to grow. In the spring of 2001, leaders of the Century Youth Orchestra located at Century College in White Bear Lake and the leaders of the Woodbury Youth Orchestra met to discuss the possibility of joining forces.  The fall of 2001 brought the union of these two groups.

Now in its fourth season, the WYO staff and conductors are still dedicated to promoting a high level musical opportunity. WYO is open to any young musician, elementary through twelfth grade, who plays an orchestral instrument.  Students are evaluated on the quality of their audition and level of development and are then placed in the appropriate ensemble group.  We ask that all students continue to participate in school programs and/or private lessons if available, as the purpose of the WYO is to compliment one's musical development and not to be a sole means of instruction.  In addition, personal practice is an essential element needed for the overall success of the weekly rehearsals.

The WYO continues to offer a quality program.  In addition to weekly rehearsals, the WYO fosters musical development with enrichment events, including workshops with violin maker Peter Falin, guests conductors from the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and concert trips.  Recently, the WYO collaborated with the 3M Orchestra for a joint concert under the direction of Elizabeth Barnes.

The WYO is committed to developing youth through music, to nurturing creativity, and to fostering the skills and discipline needed for whatever career they may choose to pursue. We welcome all to auditions and invited you to join us.