Eligibility
To participate in FWYSO’s Academic Year Orchestras, students must meet the following criteria regarding instruments, age, and school music program participation as outlined below.
INSTRUMENTS
Musicians who play strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp, and piano are eligible to apply.
AGE
To be eligible to participate in FWYSO, students must be 10–20 years old at the time of registration. Additionally, students over the age of 18 at the time of registration must have previously participated in FWYSO’s programs to be eligible.
SCHOOL PARTICIPATION
Students participating in FWYSO are expected to be enrolled and actively participating in their school’s music program whenever one is available.
At FWYSO, we are deeply committed to supporting and uplifting school music programs. We believe that school music programs—led by dedicated music educators and embedded in the daily life of a student’s academic experience—are the bedrock of music education in our communities.
FWYSO’s orchestras are designed to supplement the important work being done in schools, not to replace it. By participating in both, students receive the most comprehensive and enriching music education possible, growing as musicians and leaders both in and out of the classroom.
Exemptions
We recognize that every student’s educational path is unique. There may be situations in which participation in a school music program is not possible— families may request an exemption from this policy. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
To participate in FWYSO’s Academic Year Orchestras, students must meet the following criteria regarding instruments, age, and school music program participation as outlined below.
INSTRUMENTS
Musicians who play strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp, and piano are eligible to apply.
AGE
To be eligible to participate in FWYSO, students must be 10–20 years old at the time of registration. Additionally, students over the age of 18 at the time of registration must have previously participated in FWYSO’s programs to be eligible.
SCHOOL PARTICIPATION
Students participating in FWYSO are expected to be enrolled and actively participating in their school’s music program whenever one is available.
At FWYSO, we are deeply committed to supporting and uplifting school music programs. We believe that school music programs—led by dedicated music educators and embedded in the daily life of a student’s academic experience—are the bedrock of music education in our communities.
FWYSO’s orchestras are designed to supplement the important work being done in schools, not to replace it. By participating in both, students receive the most comprehensive and enriching music education possible, growing as musicians and leaders both in and out of the classroom.
Exemptions
We recognize that every student’s educational path is unique. There may be situations in which participation in a school music program is not possible— families may request an exemption from this policy. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.