The Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra (WCYO) Symphony Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra made up of advanced string, woodwind, brass and percussion musicians up to 18 years of age. The ensemble performs professional orchestral repertoire, from staples of the classical genre to music of the 21st century. In the past, the Symphony Orchestra has performed works such as Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5,  Mussorgsky/Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherezade and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, as well as many other masterworks. Symphony Orchestra musicians frequently work with professional guest musicians in a sectional format, have the opportunity to premier original compositions, and participate in community engagement activities. The WCYO Symphony Orchestra rehearses in Ridgefield, CT on a weekly basis during the school year, but orchestra members come from more than 25 towns in Connecticut and the neighboring New York area. Dedicated musicians are encouraged to audition for a position in the WCYO.