Become a Member of the Winnipeg Youth Orchestras!
The Winnipeg Youth Orchestras enables young musicians to expand their musical abilities while playing in a group setting. Each of the three groups provides an essential stepping stone on their journey to a lifetime filled with music.
The musical journey begins with the Youth Strings. A group with only string instruments: the violin, the viola, the cello and the bass. At this stage the group is encouraged to listen to one another and they learn that each individual instrument is essential in creating the complete sound of the orchestra.
The Youth Concert Orchestra provides a complete orchestra experience that any young musician can benefit from. The group includes the string, woodwind, brass and percussion sections.
The members of our Youth Symphony Orchestra are our most advanced musicians. They have dedicated their time, talent and abilities to music for many years. This has resulted in exciting performance opportunities, most notably as a guest orchestra for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra on numerous occasions.
Join one of the three youth orchestras and have the opportunity to…
How do I join WYO?
The WYO season runs from September to April. Auditions and Registration take place in the spring before the new season begins.
To register:
- Follow the Registration Steps and fill out the Registration Form:
Registration Deadline: April 30th, 2025. - Schedule an Audition:
The audition page provides information on the audition process.
Auditions: May 10th, 2025 - Check your email:
After auditions you will be contacted with information about the orchestra you will be playing in and the process for payment.
Registration Steps
Winnipeg Youth Orchestras – Volunteer Policy
The Winnipeg Youth Orchestras cannot function without the help of our volunteers. We kindly ask each family registering a musician to commit to at least one volunteer position/activity during the year per musician they are registering. Volunteer commitments range from just a one-time commitment of a few hours to more involved positions that require ongoing commitment throughout the year. See our Volunteer Page for descriptions of positions and information on documentation required for volunteers. In the registration form you will be asked to indicate your volunteer interests. Throughout the year the volunteer coordinator will send out notices when help is needed and provide access to online sign-up sheets.
Fees for September 2025 to early May 2026 Season
Registration Fee: $750.00 per musician
Due Date: September 15th, 2025
Payment can be made either by cheque or e-transfer.
Musicians receive instructions for payment in the acceptance package after auditions.
There is a $50 administration fee for uncleared cheques.
Families of returning musicians may remember that in past years an additional fee has been charged to cover the cost of enrichment activities such as weekend retreats. This cost is now included in the main registration fee.
If there are financial barriers to you joining the WYO, please read about our Bursary Program.
The deadline for Bursary Applications is June 30.
Warning: You will receive a confirmation of receipt when you complete the registration. However, depending on your email provider and settings this could land in your promotions/spam/social folder.
