Ensembles
Choose from two different experiences


Summer Festival Orchestra
Summer Jr. String Orchestra
Premier ensemble open to graduating seniors and younger.
Junior ensemble open to finishing 8th graders and younger.
Must have at least one year of ensemble playing experience

Brian Coatney
Conductor
Summer Festival Orchestra
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Jennifer Martin
Conductor
Summer Jr. String Orchestra

Adam Wallace
Coordinator
FWYO Summer

David Warren
Dir. of Artistic Operations
FWYO
Auditions
Recorded auditions due in application portal May 11
$10 Application Fee
Summer Festival Orchestra
• Submit excerpts from the 2026-2027 YO or PHIL audition material.
–This will only count as your summer audition, not as your 26-27 regular season audition, which has a separate submission deadline.
• Solos, scales, or etudes are not required.
Summer Jr. String Orchestra
• Submit two contrasting selections that demonstrate your current ability.
–Options include solo literature, orchestra repertoire, etudes, scales
–Max of 2 minutes per selection
** For the Summer Jr. String Orchestra, 25-26 FWYO regular season members have the option to use their previous 25-26 season audition submission, which we still have on file, OR submit a new video.
Activities
Rehearsals & Sectionals
Our summer program blends disciplined rehearsals with engaging learning opportunities beyond the ensemble. Musicians will:
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Participate in daily full-group rehearsals to improve ensemble skills, intonation, and musicality.
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Attend sectionals with experienced coaches to refine individual technique and part responsibilities.
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Build community through group activities, peer learning, and shared performance experiences.
Electives
Elective workshops give students the chance to explore new musical skills, deepen their knowledge, and enhance performance habits:
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Basic Theory: Fundamentals of rhythm, notation, and reading.
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Advanced Theory: Deeper exploration of harmony, key signatures, and musical form.
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Music History: Stories behind great works and composers.
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Beginning Vibrato for Strings: Techniques and exercises to develop expressive tone.
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Basic Recording Tips: Tips for creating quality recordings that showcase students’ playing.
Electives may vary slightly each summer to best meet student interest and instructor availability.
Concert
The FWYO Summer program culminates in a formal final concert held at a local Fort Worth performance venue, giving students the opportunity to experience the full arc of preparation, rehearsal, and public performance.
This culminating concert allows musicians to:
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Perform in a professional concert setting beyond the rehearsal hall
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Apply the skills developed throughout the week in a polished performance
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Celebrate their musical growth with family, friends, and the FWYO community
Details regarding the venue, concert time, and ticket information will be shared with families closer to the program date.
Schedule
Jr. String Orchestra
MONDAY - WEDNESDAY
9:00AM - Arrival
9:15AM - Full Rehearsal
10:45AM - Elective
11:45AM - Lunch
12:30PM - Full Rehearsal
2:45PM - Sectionals
4:15PM - Dismissal
THURSDAY
Half-day starting at 1PM
Concert at 6PM
Festival Orchestra
MONDAY - WEDNESDAY
9:30AM - Arrival
9:45AM - Elective
11:00AM - Rehearsal
12:30PM - Lunch
1:15PM - Sectional
3:00PM - Rehearsal
4:45PM - Dismissal
THURSDAY
Half-day starting at 1PM
Concert at 6PM
*Schedules subject to change
TUITION
$425
May 11
Auditions and Application
Deadline
FINANCIAL AID
Available to all students
Apply in the portal during Application
Camp Location
FWYO Orchestra Hall
4401 Trail Lake Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76109
Contact
817-923-3121


