ABOUT THE JUNIOR STRING ORCHESTRA

Junior String Orchestra (JSO), conducted by Mrs. Amanda Musser, is a string-only ensemble designed for an introductory orchestral experience for young string players. JSO members will continue to develop their individual technique and ensemble skills in preparation for participation in full orchestras, and will perform educational string chamber orchestra repertoire, including compositions by Richard Meyer, Soon Hee Newbold, and Deborah Baker Monday. Mrs. Musser has been a music educator in the Arlington, TX area since 1975, and was Adjunct Professor of Music Education and Supervisor of Student Teachers at Texas Christian University for ten years. In 2018, Texas Orchestra Directors Association named Mrs. Musser Orchestra Director of the Year.

 

AUDITIONS

Annual auditions are held for every position in JSO, including the following instruments: VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS. For more information regarding applications & auditions, visit our website’s “Apply & Audition” page or contact David Warren (FWYO Director of Artistic Operations) at dwarren@fwyo.org.

 

​JUNIOR STRING ORCHESTRA TUITION

Current JSO tuition is $515 per season (subject to change each year). Once offered a position in JSO, a deposit will be due in order to reserve your position, and will be applied to the tuition total. Tuition is set by the Board of Directors annually, and is non-refundable. Financial aid is available for those who apply and qualify.

 

CONCERTS

The FWYO concert season consists of four major concert cycles. These four concerts are typically scheduled in October, December, March and May, and are held regularly at Bass Performance Hall, Texas Christian University, the University of North Texas, and at other venues in the DFW area. Occasionally, FWYO ensembles will perform additional outreach and community concerts, including performances at Sundance Square and Cook Children’s Medical Center.

 

REHEARSALS

Junior String Orchestra rehearsals are held on Mondays, 6:00–7:15pm at FWYO’s Orchestra Hall – 4401 Trail Lake Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, 76109.

 

SCHOOL PARTICIPATION

The FWYO does not exist to replace school music programs, but to provide enhanced musical training and performance opportunities. It is required that all FWYO members participate in their school music programs. Permission to participate in the FWYO Programs without participation in your primary education institution’s music programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Participation in a school program in addition to FWYO provides many benefits to young musicians, including experience in playing a wider variety of music, continual training in techniques and musicianship, the opportunity to work with and gain experience from a variety of music directors, and broader access to local and statewide opportunities, venues, and scholarships.