Type of Ensemble: Wind Symphony is a symphonic wind ensemble for students at the advanced level of music-making. A limited number of intermediate level players may also be accepted pending availability and the young musician’s anticipated trajectory. The ensemble includes Flute/Piccolo, Oboe/English Horn, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophones (alto, tenor, baritone), French horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, Keyboard, and Harp)
2022-23 Enrollment: 38
Typical Wind Symphony Students: Wind Symphony students are generally from the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area and from as far as West Virginia and Ohio. Members are typically between 13-19 years old, but all ages up to freshman year in college will be considered for this ensemble.
Conductor: The Wind Symphony Conductor is Robert Traugh. See Artistic Staff for more information about TRYPO’s ensemble directors.
Travel: TRYPO believes that performing while traveling uniquely cements a student’s relationship with music and strives for its large ensembles to travel every three years. In the 2022-23 season, Wind Symphony traveled to Washington DC to work with members of military ensembles as well as perform locally. We plan to return to Washington DC in an upcoming season, possibly the 2023-24 season. There is an extra fee for travel opportunities in addition to regular tuition, but scholarship and fund-raising opportunities for student fees are also available. All Wind Symphony students are expected and encouraged to travel with the ensemble during a travel season. However, with proper notice, permission to miss may be granted without jeopardizing the student’s membership in the ensemble.
Performances: Wind Symphony performs two to four concerts a year, depending on the season. Performances have taken place at Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland, Heinz Hall, and other local schools. We presented Virtual Exhibitions during COVID-19 and performed our first concert back with an audience in January 2022 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. We will continue to plan in-person events within whatever COVID protocols are in place at the time.
Rehearsals: Rehearsals were in-person in the 2022-23 season, with the option for students to stream in to a live Zoom feed if they have a COVID exposure or are otherwise unwell. In the 2022-23 season, Wind Symphony rehearsed on Saturday mornings from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM at the Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University. Based on student feedback and early fall marching band commitments, rehearsals for Wind Symphony will start a bit later in the season than other ensembles (currently slated for October 2023). We are pleased to offer a rehearsal venue at a convenient uptown location centrally located for families in the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
Retreats: Wind Symphony typically has some sort of season start retreat, but we did not hold one this season due to complications around COVID-19. We look forward to picking this back up in future seasons!
Auditions: Wind Symphony has auditions every May/June for entry to the next season. See New Member Auditions for more information on joining WS and current openings (if any).
Repertoire: Recent repertoire selections have included:
2021-22 Repertoire:
- Mackey – Strange Humors
- Piunno – Postcard from Sequoia
2020-21 Repertoire:
- Milburn – American Hymnsong Suite
- Whitacre – Seal Lullaby
2019-20 Repertoire:
- Ralph Vaughan Williams – Sea Songs
- Eric Whitacre – October
- Frank Ticheli – Dancing on Water
2018-19 Repertoire:
- Frank Ticheli – Vesuvius
- Gustav Holst – First Suite in E-flat
- Percy Grainger – Lincolnshire Posy
- Morten Lauridsen – O Magnum Mysterium
Tuition: 2022-23 Fees are as follows:
- Full season tuition: $400
- Financial aid and scholarship assistance are always available, and it is easier than ever to ask for what you need. Families should not be discouraged from applying to TRYPO due to financial limitations. Visit our Tuition Assistance page for more information about scholarships.
- Family Discounts: TRYPO offers a family discount for households with a child or children registered in more than one Sept-May TRYPO program. The first enrolled program will be charged at full price, but all subsequent programs qualify for $50 off per semester ($100/year).