Youth Symphony
Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra
Interested in CWYSO? Fill out this form, and our Program Manager will reach out with more information:
Registration is Now Open for 2025-26!
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Inspiring the Next Generation: Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra
The Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra (CWYSO) is a regional symphony orchestra program serving middle school and high school student musicians within Portage, Wood, Waushara, Shawano, Waupaca, Adams, Juneau, Marathon, Lincoln and Langlade Counties with a full Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia, and extensive partnerships with nationally renowned faculty in the state-of-the-art facilities of the Noel Fine Arts Center on the UW-Stevens Point campus.
CWYSO was founded in 2014 in partnership with UW-Stevens Point Continuing Education, UW-Stevens Point Music Department, Aber Suzuki Center, Heid Music, and regional music educators in Central Wisconsin. Two full symphony orchestras comprised of over 60 students from over twenty different schools/districts-rehearse weekly in the state-of-the-art facilities at the Noel Fine Arts Center on the UW-Stevens Point campus. Students receive mentoring from top music majors and faculty of the UW-Stevens Point Music Department and Aber Suzuki Center faculty.
CWYSO is forever grateful to its founding Music Director/Conductor, Kurt Van Tiem, for his vision of creating a regional youth symphony program.
Jodi Engum Kryshak was the founding Program Coordinator of the Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Program (2014-2024). The Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra is eternally grateful for Jodi’s tireless work and countless hours to keep this program thriving for 10 years through many challenges and changes. In the transition to CWSO, Jodi offered her expertise and her services for an entire year to ensure a smooth transition and ensure CWYSO’s continued success. CWYSO will truly live on to be her legacy.
Our Fall 2025 Concert is scheduled for Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at SPASH.
Our Spring 2026 Concert is scheduled for Sunday, April 19th, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at SENTRY THEATER.
Our Mission:
The Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra provides a high quality symphonic performing experience for committed middle-level and high school students who, with other like-minded musicians, wish to perform great symphonic literature, raise their level of playing, and nurture their love of music.
Staff Members to assist you:
Stephan Wucherer, CWYSO Music Director/Symphony Orchestra Conductor, swucherer@cwso.org
Derek Carden, CWYSO Philharmonia Conductor, dcarden@cwso.org
Christian Stromley, Program Manager, cstromley@cwso.org
Alaina Kawleski, UWSP Student Program Assistant/Student Mentor, akawl766@uwsp.edu
Isa Wagner, UWSP Student Percussion Manager/Student Mentor
Please note: CWYSO operates out of the CWSO office which is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday. However, we typically respond to emails within 1 business day or, 24 hours if the matter is more urgent.
Our People
Mr. Stephan Wucherer joined the Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony as the Director of the Philharmonia the summer prior to its first season in fall of 2014. He is currently part the new SPASH Orchestra Director and was a part of the orchestra staff for the Howard-Suamico School District. Before that he has taught at Lineville Intermediate School, and Bay Port High School as Director of the String Orchestras. Prior to his work in Howard-Suamico, Mr. Wucherer taught with the Oshkosh Area School District for ten years as a Middle School Orchestra Director and spent several years as the Coordinator for the Elementary Strings Program. For the past 15 years, he has also directed groups at the Rock Infused Orchestra String camp in Neenah acting as both conductor and cello coach, with a focus on non-traditional music.
Mr. Wucherer attended UW-Oshkosh for his Bachelors of Music in Cello Performance and went on to attend Butler University in Indianapolis for his Master’s of Music. He also holds a Master’s of Education from Marian University in Fond du Lac. As a performer Mr. Wucherer has a wide resume over nearly 30 years, performing with many orchestras throughout the state including the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, The Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, and The Water City Chamber Orchestra and others. Mr. Wucherer also spent three years as the Director of the Waupaca Area Orchestra, giving numerous performances at the Gerold Opera House in Weyauwega.
Christian Stromley oversees the main programming of the Program. As the Education Programs Manager for CWSO, he oversees and plans the Dorothy Vetter Memorial Education Concerts for 4th Grade Students featuring Carnegie Hall’s Link Up Curriculum as well as plans other educational outreach events for the organization. Christian has been with CWSO since July of 2022. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music, Organ Performance from Concordia University, St. Paul, where he studied with Dr. Kristina Langlois, Dr. David Mennicke, and Dr. Nathan Kennedy. His passion for music extends into his other roles, Instructor of Keyboard Studies at the St. Cecilia Studio of Music, and Choral Accompanist and Organist at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Christian has lived in Moorhead MN and St. Paul MN, where he was always active in music there, accompanying, substituting, and playing in ensembles. He also plays with the Wisconsin Rapids City Band, and he and his wife sing in the Wisconsin Rapids Area Community Choir. Most of his free time, besides being involved in many musical ensembles, he spends with his wife, Mary, reading or watching movies, with their cats, Ellie and Hazel by their side.
Alaina Kawleski is the 2025-26 Program Assistant/Student Mentor. Alaina is studying Music, majoring in Flute Performance at UW-Stevens Point.
Isa Wagner is the 2025-26 Percussion Manager and Coach. She is studying Music Education at UW-Stevens Point.
Audition Information
Interested in CWYSO? Fill out this form, and our Program Manager will reach out with more information:
2025-26 Auditions
Philharmonia Audition Information
- No audition required for participation in Philharmonia.
Symphony Orchestra Audition Information
- Students that have not participated in CWYSO are required to audition for admission to the Symphony Orchestra.
- Returning Symphony Orchestra members do not need to re-audition unless they wish to move parts, or for section leader/Concertmaster
- NOTE: all returning string players need to re-audition for seating placement only.
- Auditions are held at Stevens Point Area Senior High School, Orchestra Room, Door 13 – 1201 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54481
- If you have any questions, please contact Program Manager, Christian Stromley at cstromley@cwso.org
- Audition Requirements and Scale Sheets HERE
Symphony Orchestra Audition Dates:
Note: please allow 15 minutes for each audition.
- August 2, 2025
- 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
- August 30, 2025
- 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Sign-up for an Audition Here:
CWYSO Audition Sign-Up – August 2, 2025
CWYSO Audition Sign-Up – August 30, 2025
Contact Christian Stromley at cstromley@cwso.org if you have questions about or issues filling out this form.
Audition Requirements for Symphony Orchestra:
Strings
Audition Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12, who are enrolled in the school’s Orchestra or Band program. Students must provide their School Director’s information when registering. Exceptions are made for Homeschool students or students attending schools that do not have music programs for their primary instrument. Students younger than 13 can be allowed to audition for Symphony in cases where there is a strong recommendation from a private instructor and based on the student’s years of experience.
Scales: Select (at minimum) one scale in a flat key and one scale in a sharp key from the provided scale sheet. Scales should be performed using the bowings provided at a moderate tempo in three octaves where possible. Scales do not need to be memorized.
Sight Reading: Students may be required to do a short sight-reading excerpt.
Required Solo: Student’s will perform at minimum a Class B solo (Class A solo is preferred and recommended if possible) unaccompanied. Solo does not need to be memorized.
Woodwinds
Audition Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in the school’s Orchestra or Band program. Students must provide their School Director’s information when registering. Exceptions are made for Homeschool students or students attending schools that do not have music programs for their primary instrument. Students younger than 13 can be allowed to audition for Symphony in cases where there is a strong recommendation from a private instructor and based on the student’s years of experience.
Scales: Select (at minimum) one scale in a flat key and one scale in a sharp key from the provided scale sheet. Scales should be performed using the markings provided at a moderate tempo in three octaves where possible. Also, prepare a chromatic scale that shows your full range using a steady rhythm at a fast tempo. Scales do not need to be memorized.
Sight Reading: Students may be required to do a short sight-reading excerpt.
Required Solo: Student’s will perform at minimum a Class B solo (Class A solo is preferred and recommended if possible) unaccompanied. Solo does not need to be memorized.
Brass
Audition Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in the school’s Orchestra or Band program. Students must provide their School Director’s information when registering. Exceptions are made for Homeschool students or students attending schools that do not have music programs for their primary instrument. Students younger than 13 can be allowed to audition for Symphony in cases where there is a strong recommendation from a private instructor and based on the student’s years of experience.
Scales: Select (at minimum) one scale in a flat key and one scale in a sharp key from the provided scale sheet. Scales should be performed using the markings provided at a moderate tempo in three octaves where possible. Also, prepare a chromatic scale that shows your full range using a steady rhythm at a fast tempo. Scales do not need to be memorized.
Double tongue on a single pitch of your choice for 4 beats and triple tongue on a single pitch of your choice for 4 beats at your fastest controlled tempo.
Sight Reading: Students may be required to do a short sight-reading excerpt.
Required Solo: Student’s will perform at minimum a Class B solo (Class A solo is preferred and recommended if possible) unaccompanied. Solo does not need to be memorized.
Percussion
Audition Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in the school’s Orchestra or Band program. Students must provide their School Director’s information when registering. Exceptions are made for Homeschool students or students attending schools that do not have music programs for their primary instrument. Students younger than 13 can be allowed to audition for Symphony in cases where there is a strong recommendation from a private instructor and based on the student’s years of experience.
Scales: Bells/Marimba – Select (at minimum) one scale in a flat key and one scale in a sharp key from the provided scale sheet. Also, prepare a chromatic scale using a steady rhythm at a fast tempo. Scales do not need to be memorized.
Sight Reading: Students may be required to do a short sight-reading excerpt on an instrument that they did not play for their solo.
Required Solo: Student’s will perform at minimum a Class B solo (Class A solo is preferred and recommended if possible) unaccompanied on either Snare Drum, Timpani, or Xylophone/Marimba.
Concerts
Each season, the Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Program (CWYSOP) presents inspiring concerts that showcase the talent, dedication, and musical growth of our young musicians. These performances feature a wide range of repertoire—from classical masterworks to contemporary pieces—and offer students the valuable experience of performing in a professional concert setting. Audiences are invited to celebrate the hard work and passion of these emerging artists as they share the joy of orchestral music with the community.
The Central Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Concerts are scheduled for:
Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 – 4:00 p.m., Stevens Point Area High School
Sunday, April 19th, 2026 – 4:00 p.m., Sentry Theater
Tickets for these concerts will be available soon!
Ensembles
Symphony Orchestra
Under the direction of Music Director, Mr. Stephan Wucherer, this ensemble performs standard orchestral repertoire. Members generally have three or more years of ensemble experience and perform at an advanced level. The ensemble performs two concerts each season and tours when available. Members receive sectional mentoring from UW-Stevens Point music education majors and master classes from the Music Department and Aber Suzuki faculty.
Generally, string players are in grades 8-12, and wind/percussion players are in grades 9-12.
Philharmonia
Under the direction of Mr. Derek Carden, the Philharmonia (non-auditioned ensemble) performs full symphony orchestra literature from the middle school to younger high school levels. Students should have two to three years of playing experience. The ensemble performs two concerts per season. Members receive sectional mentoring from UW-Stevens Point music education majors and master classes and sectionals from the Music Department and Aber Suzuki faculty.
Note: Philharmonia will be a strings only ensemble for the fall of 2025. Wind and percussion players are welcome to join in spring of 2026.
Generally, string players are in grades 5-8.
TEACHERS – NOMINATE A STUDENT HERE & WE WILL REACH OUT TO THEM!
Financial Assistance
CWYSO Financial Aid (Tuition Assistance) are limited and may be available to students who express a financial need and who pass the audition requirements. Please complete the assistance application. Amounts may be awarded based on need, available funds, and/or the number of applicants.
If you will be applying for financial assistance for your student, please register online and then complete the Financial Assistance Form below. We encourage to submit the application for the Academic Year by September 5, 2025.
**APPLY HERE
Questions regarding your financial aid application can be directed to Program Manager Christian Stromley at cstromley@cwso.org or call 715-345-7726
Scholarships supported and partially funded by the following generous organizations:
Registration
Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2025-26 academic year!
Be sure to review our updated Student Handbook below.
Please note: An invoice will be sent to your email with a link to pay beginning July 1, 2025. (Payment is not due at the time of registration if you register before September 7, 2025.)
Registration fee investment:
Philharmonia (Full Orchestra) – $225 (Full Year) or $113 (Spring Semester)
Note: Philharmonia will be a strings only ensemble for the fall of 2025. Wind and percussion players are welcome to join in spring of 2026.
Symphony Orchestra (Full Orchestra) – $325 (Full Year) or $163 (Spring Semester)
**Fall Registration requested/preferred before: September 7, 2025**
[Financial Assistance is available through application and due prior to first rehearsal. Preferred deadline: September 5, 2025] No student is turned away due to financial need.
Students should register for the ensemble that best fits their playing goals/objectives. Younger students may audition for admission, if deemed appropriate by the Music Director, based on the needs of the ensembles. If you are unsure, please contact the Music Director for guidance in this area. Every student’s musical journey is unique, and we strive to place students in the ensemble that is best for them and the overall program.
Rehearsal Schedule
Symphony Rehearsal takes place on Sundays at UW-Stevens Point Noel Fine Arts Center.
Philharmonia (Strings Only)
3 – 4:45 p.m. | Room 250
Symphony Orchestra
3 – 5:15 p.m. | Room 240
FALL 2025 SCHEDULE – SUNDAYS
AUDITION DATES
Aug. Audition Date #1 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. – SPASH
Aug. Audition Date #2 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. – SPASH
Rehearsals:
Sept. 7 rehearsal #1 (MANDATORY PARENT/STUDENT MEETING 2:15 p.m. – Michelsen Hall)
Sept. 14 rehearsal #2
Sept. 21 rehearsal #3
Sept. 28 rehearsal #4
Oct. 5 rehearsal #5
Oct. 12 rehearsal #6
Oct. 19 rehearsal #7
Oct. 26 rehearsal #8
Nov. 2 rehearsal #9
Nov. 9 rehearsal #10
Nov. 16 rehearsal #11
Sat., Nov. 22 DRESS REHEARSAL – Location – SPASH Auditorium
2:30 – 4 p.m. Philharmonia
4:15 – 6:30 p.m. Symphony Orchestra
Sun., Nov. 23 CONCERT – Location – SPASH Auditorium 4 p.m.
⛄ Winter Break ⛄
SPRING SEMESTER 2026
Jan. 11 rehearsal #1
Jan. 18 rehearsal #2
Jan. 25 rehearsal #3
Feb. 1 rehearsal #4
Feb. 8 rehearsal #5
Feb. 15 rehearsal #6
Feb. 22 rehearsal #7
Mar. 1 NO REHEARSAL – Solo and Ensemble
Mar. 8 rehearsal #8
Mar. 15 rehearsal #9
Mar. 22 rehearsal #10
Mar. 29 rehearsal #11
Apr. 5 NO REHEARSAL – EASTER SUNDAY
Apr. 12 rehearsal #12
Sat., Apr. 18 DRESS REHEARSAL – Location – SENTRY THEATER
2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Philharmonia
4:15 – 6:30 p.m. Symphony Orchestra
Sun., Apr. 19 CONCERT – SENTRY THEATER 4 p.m. (Ticketed event)
(Reserve all day)
Sun., Apr. 26 AUDITION DATE #1 FOR SEATING PLACEMENT (For existing members only)
All Current Symphony Orchestra string players continuing in 2026-27 need to re-audition for seating placement
Attendance at all rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. Any conflicts must be submitted immediately in writing at the time of registration, or in an emergency or illness, via email to the Program Assistant, Alaina Kawleski at cwyso.assistant@cwso.org. Attendance notifications emailed to anyone other than the Program Assistant will not be accepted. Absence notifications via phone, text, or Facebook are not acceptable. Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
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