WSCO press release

This concert marks the first time all three orchestras will perform in one program. WSCO will perform at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30PM.

In addition WSCO reveals a rare and special treat performed by cello players in all three orchestra groups. Guest conductor Rob Duisberg leads this wonderful Cello Choir, performing Also sprach Zarathustra, R. Strauss, arranged by Flaherty and Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye and Halsey.

Admission is free and open to the public. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. All proceeds will benefit free membership for student musicians grades K-12.

The orchestra was founded by Dr. Toni Reineke ten years ago with just 16 student musicians to give them an opportunity to participate in a full symphony orchestra. Adult musicians were invited to mentor and then perform with the students. The popularity of the intergenerational setting has led the growth to orchestras at three levels, as well as the addition of adult beginners’ classes to accommodate all the interested musicians. Dr. Reineke, who now conducts the Intermediate Orchestra and leads the Adult Beginning Winds classes, expresses astonishment at the growth. “When we began ten years ago, we did not dream it would grow this large and successful.”

The West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSCO) is a unique intergenerational group of three orchestras including the Debut Orchestra for beginning players, an Intermediate Orchestra, and a Symphony for community members and more experienced students. In total 190 musicians take part in the making of music, 100 of them from third grade through high school.

Each week, professional coaching is provided for string students by Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO) through a generous grant from the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.WSCOrchestras.org