The TYSA Orchestras
Tacoma Youth Symphony
Tacoma Youth Symphony (TYS) is a pre-professional symphonic orchestra for advanced high school and college musicians. This orchestra performs music of all styles from the standard professional orchestral repertoire. Conducted by the TYSA Music Director, Dr. James O. Welsch, this nationally renowned orchestra performs four concerts in downtown Tacoma, the Discover Music Concert for elementary school audiences, and the popular Costume Concert featuring music from the big screen!
Tacoma Junior Youth Symphony
Tacoma Junior Youth Symphony (TJYS) further develops the skills of string players and is TYSA’s first fully immersive symphonic experience for woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians. Conducted by Mr. Joe Dyvig, TJYS performs three public concerts, as well as an annual community performance at the ever-popular Victorian Country Christmas.
Tacoma String Philharmonic
Tacoma String Philharmonic (TSP) engages string students in building advanced string techniques in a collaborative setting while tackling challenging repertoire. Under the baton of Dr. Anna Jensen, TSP provides exciting performances three times a year in addition to an annual community performance.
Tacoma Wind Philharmonic
Tacoma Wind Philharmonic (TWP) welcomes emerging woodwind, brass, and percussion students with at least one year of playing experience. The TWP students develop their skills with coaches for their specific instrument and work on wind ensemble literature with co-conductors Ms. Gianna DeBolt and Mr. John M. Wetherington. TWP performs three concerts each season as well as an annual community performance.
Tacoma Academy String Orchestra
Tacoma Academy String Orchestra (TASO) builds upon and extends string students’ technical and musical skills while learning crucial teamwork skills in an orchestral setting. Under the baton of Ms. Karen Helseth, TASO provides three public performances each year in addition to an annual community performance.
Tacoma String Symphony
Tacoma String Symphony (TSS) is TYSA’s entry-level string orchestra that explores a wide variety of engaging and dynamic repertoire while learning ensemble skills. Under the baton of Ms. Rebecca Pelandini, TSS provides three public performances each year in addition to an annual community performance.
Prelude Strings
Prelude Strings (formerly known as the Tacoma Young Violin Program) is for young people (grades 2-5) who wish to explore violin, viola, cello, or bass for the first time! Students will learn entry-level string skills, note reading, rhythmic foundations, how to play together in a group, and have the opportunity to make new friends.