The La Crosse Area Youth Symphony Orchestras provide outstanding opportunities for youth to grow as musicians, to develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and to enhance the cultural environments of their communities.
SPRING CONCERT
The spring concert is Sunday, March 16, at 4:00 p.m. at Onalaska High School.
The concert will feature an exciting list of pieces ranging from the mystical and intriguing Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov to a delightful rendition of the Billy Joel song, "And So It Goes."
Learn more at the Concerts Page.
AUDITIONS
Are you interested in playing major repertoire with a group of outstanding young musicians?
If so, take a look at our Join Us page to learn about joining the La Crosse Area Youth Symphony Orchestras.
Members range in age from 8 - 18 and play a wide variety of instruments.
Learn more at the Join LYSO page.
REHEARSALS
Next rehearsal: Sunday, March 16, 2014. The Italiano Orchestra rehearses from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. and the Philharmonic Strings rehearse from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Rehearsal takes place at Onalaska High School and is followed by the Spring Concert at 4:00 p.m.
View the full schedule at the Members Page
Meet the Artistic Director
Randall Mastin, Artistic Director and Italiano Orchestra conductor
Mr. Mastin is a graduate of Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. Mastin teaches orchestra at Lincoln Middle School in La Crosse. Prior to that he taught at Viroqua High School and Middle School and at Memorial High School, Eau Claire, WI.
Mr. Mastin is active with the La Crosse Symphony as a cellist and also as a vocalist with the Viroqua Male Chorus. He has conducted his orchestras and choirs all over the United States and Europe including performances in Westminster Abby and London's New Year's Day Parade. Mastin has received several outstanding Conducting Awards as well as awards for effective leadership and program building abilities. He was formerly the conductor of the LYSO Philharmonic Orchestra in 1999 - 2003 and 2007 - 2008.
Concerto Competition
Each year, members from the Italiano Orchestra may audition for the Concerto Competition. The winner will play his/her concerto with the Italiano Orchestra at the Spring Concert.
This year's competition took place on January 8, 2014. The winner was Andy Smith, who played the first movement of the Wieniawski Violin Concerto no. 2 in d minor. He will perform the concerto on March 16, 2014, at the Spring Concert.
Scholarships for Graduating Seniors
Application must by recieved by LYSO by Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Graduating seniors who are going on to study or play music in college are eligible to apply for two scholarships.
The Ruth B. Williams Musical Merit Award - $750.
- Must have had active participation in LYSO for three of the past four years, of which the last year is mandatory.
- Must have demonstrated proficiency in your chosen instrument.
- Must be seeking higher education as either a Instrumental performer OR Instrumental music instructor.
- Must apply for this award through application and statement as to how it will be used.
Application must be received by LYSO by Tuesday, March 4, 2014.
The Frank J. Italiano Endowment Scholarship - $150
- This scholarship is given to an outstanding graduating senior who will continue playing in an orchestra at the college level.
- Must apply for this award through application and statement as to how it will be used.
Application must be received by LYSO by Tuesday, March 4, 2014.
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