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)
Wind Symphony students are generally from the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area and from as far as West Virginia and Ohio. Members are typically between 14-18 years old, but all ages up to freshman year in college will be considered for this ensemble.
The Wind Symphony Conductor is Robert Traugh. See Artistic Staff for more information about TRYPO’s ensemble directors.
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.
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, The Pittsburgh Playhouse, and other local schools.
Wind Symphony rehearses 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 2024). We are pleased to offer a rehearsal venue at a convenient uptown location centrally located for families in the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
Wind Symphony typically has some sort of season start retreat. Retreats were paused during the pandemic, but there are plans to bring the retreat back for future seasons.
Wind Symphony has auditions every May/June for entry to the next season. Visit the Join Us page for more information on joining WS and current openings.
Recent repertoire selections have included:
2021-22 Season:
- Mackey – Strange Humors
- Piunno – Postcard from Sequoia
2020-21 Season:
- Milburn – American Hymnsong Suite
- Whitacre – Seal Lullaby
2019-20 Season:
- Ralph Vaughan Williams – Sea Songs
- Eric Whitacre – October
- Frank Ticheli – Dancing on Water
2018-19 Season:
- Frank Ticheli – Vesuvius
- Gustav Holst – First Suite in E-flat
- Percy Grainger – Lincolnshire Posy
- Morten Lauridsen – O Magnum Mysterium
Tuition
- Total Annual Amount: $400 ($200 for Spring only)
- 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 September-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).
Join Wind Symphony
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at staff@trypo.org