The TYSA Orchestras
Tacoma Youth Symphony
Tacoma Youth Symphony (TYS) is a pre-professional symphony orchestra for advanced high school and college musicians seeking the highest level of orchestral experience offered by TYSA. Through the study of masterworks from the professional repertoire, students are challenged to develop exceptional musicianship, artistry, and ensemble skills. Membership in TYS carries both privilege and responsibility, requiring a significant commitment to being present, individual preparation, complete participation, and thoughtful collaboration. In addition to its regular concert season, the orchestra serves as a musical ambassador for TYSA through special performances and community engagements. TYS musicians are not only accomplished performers but also leaders whose dedication, curiosity, and spirit help shape the culture of the ensemble. TYS is conducted by Music Director Dr. James O. Welsch.
Tacoma Youth Orchestra
Tacoma Youth Orchestra (TYO) offers dedicated young musicians an advanced full orchestra experience designed to foster continued musical growth and artistic achievement. Performing a diverse range of orchestral repertoire, students strengthen their technical proficiency, ensemble awareness, and expressive capabilities while developing the independence and leadership skills expected of mature musicians. Through a culture of preparation, collaboration, and curiosity, TYO provides an inspiring environment in which students can thrive as performers and prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead both within TYSA and beyond. TYO is conducted by Mr. Joe Dyvig.
Tacoma Youth Philharmonic
Tacoma Youth Philharmonic (TYP) provides a dynamic and supportive environment where students strengthen their technical skills, musical artistry, and ensemble leadership through the study of challenging and diverse repertoire. While string players continue to refine advanced orchestral techniques, TYP also serves as the first immersive full-symphony experience for many woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians in TYSA. By bringing together strings, winds, brass, and percussion in a collaborative orchestral setting, students gain the skills, confidence, and musical maturity needed for success in TYSA’s most advanced ensembles and beyond. TYP is conducted by Dr. Anna Jensen.
Tacoma Youth Symphonic Band
Tacoma Youth Symphonic Band (TYSB) serves as the primary training ensemble for developing woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians within TYSA. Through the performance of engaging wind ensemble repertoire, students build strong technical foundations, deepen their musical skills, and develop the listening and teamwork habits essential to successful ensemble playing. Regular sectional coaching provides focused instruction on each instrument, while collaborative experiences with string musicians introduce students to the unique challenges and rewards of performing within a larger orchestral setting. TYSB prepares young musicians for continued advancement in TYSA’s symphonic ensembles and is conducted by Mr. John Wetherington and Ms. Gianna DeBolt.
Tacoma Academy String Orchestra
Tacoma Academy String Orchestra (TASO) provides developing string musicians with a focused and engaging ensemble experience designed to strengthen technical proficiency, musical understanding, and confidence as performers. Through the study of carefully selected repertoire, students continue to build fundamental skills in tone production, intonation, rhythm, and ensemble playing while exploring increasingly sophisticated musical concepts. Emphasis is placed on attentive listening, personal responsibility, and collaborative musicianship, helping students develop the habits and skills necessary for continued success in higher-level orchestral settings. TASO is conducted by Ms. Karen Helseth.
Tacoma String Symphony
Tacoma String Symphony (TSS) introduces young string musicians to the rewarding experience of making music as part of an ensemble while building the foundational skills necessary for future orchestral success. Through the study of engaging and varied repertoire, students strengthen essential techniques such as tone production, intonation, rhythm, bow control, and music reading while developing the listening, communication, and teamwork skills that are at the heart of ensemble performance. TSS provides a supportive environment in which students gain confidence, establish healthy playing habits, and lay the groundwork for continued musical growth in TYSA’s upper-level string ensembles. TSS is conducted by Ms. Rebecca Pelandini.
Prelude Strings
Prelude Strings (Prelude) is TYSA’s introductory string ensemble for students in grades 2–5 who are beginning their musical journey on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. In a fun, encouraging, and supportive environment, students develop fundamental string-playing skills while learning the basics of rhythm, note reading, posture, tone production, and ensemble performance. As they explore music together, young musicians build confidence, make new friends, and discover the joy of creating music as part of a team. Prelude Strings provides the foundation for continued growth in TYSA’s string orchestra program and is conducted by Ms. Katherine Sartori.
