History

During the 1960’s music educator, George Seamans, and composer, Leroy Anderson conceived the idea of starting a youth symphony in the Waterbury area. These visionaries brought violinist, Edward Bontempo and cellist, John Ruggerio into the plan. Anderson presented the idea to Mayor Edward D. Bergin, who with The Waterbury Mayor’s Council on Culture came on board as the orchestra’s foundational sponsor by donating seed money and arranging gratis access to Kennedy High School.

The Waterbury Youth Symphony presented its inaugural concert in 1970. Mr. George Seamans served as principal conductor for seven years.

The orchestra has experienced several name changes over the years. In 1978 the organization was formalized as the Naugatuck Valley Youth Symphony, Inc. under the Non-Stock Corporation Act of the State of Connecticut.

In 1998 the symphony adopted its present title and signature logo,

 

THE GREATER WATERBURY YOUTH SYMPHONY

The GWYS today consists of three orchestras.  The ‘DEBUT ORCHESTRA’, for beginners, the ‘SYMPHONETTE ORCHESTRA’, for intermediate musicians, and the ‘PRINCIPAL ORCHESTRA’, for our most advanced performers.  Placement is based on musical aptitude, and students are given the opportunity to audition for placement in one of the groups at the beginning of each semester.  Students range in age from six to eighteen years of age.  Each year the symphony awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors in the organization.

For over thirty years, this orchestral program has been supported by membership fees, donations, grants, concerts, program advertisements, and the dedication of committed parents, board members, and the community.

THE CONTINUED SUCCESS OF THE GREATER WATERBURY YOUTH SYMPHONY IS A TRIBUTE TO THE FORESIGHT OF IT’S FOUNDERS!.

OUR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI INCLUDE

Mr. Rami Haxi, Music Educator, Waterbury School System

Ms. Marianna Vagnini, Opera Vocalist and Coach

Mr. Michael Feola, Owner Westbury Music

PAST CONDUCTORS/MUSICAL CONTRIBUTORS

George Seamans                    Rami Haxi
Edward Bontempo                  John Ruggerio
Frank Kaunitz                        David Gardino
Andrew Spearmean                 Barbara Skrebutenas                              Michael Lang

Philip Ventri, Conductor, New Haven Youth Symphony
LanFranco Marchiletti,Conductor in Residence/Yale and Amherst

Our volunteer Board of Directors consists of parents and concerned citizens. We are business professionals, health professionals, social workers, insurance professionals, psychologists, business owners, professional musicians, music educators, moms and dads. Some are even former Waterbury Youth Symphony musicians! All contribute their time and efforts without remuneration.

·        Over half of our musicians come to Waterbury from other towns and cities specifically to participate in our orchestras. Our musicians come from as far as Bantam, New Milford, Danbury, Monroe, West Hartford, Fairfield, Southington, Bethany, Meriden and Wallingford as well as Watertown, Oakville, Woodbury, Southbury, and Terryville

 ·        School systems provide limited musical education. Specifically, there is a lack of ‘strings’ programs. Sadly, when budgets are tight, music education is often the first program cut from any curriculum.

·        The Greater Waterbury Youth Symphony has been filling the void in musical education in this area for years. The opportunity for children to play classical music in a full symphonic orchestra is an experience that exists in only six (6) Connecticut cities

·        The Symphony rehearses 35 weeks during the school year.

·        Attracting a child’s interest in a symphonic experience is a difficult task. The Greater Waterbury Youth Symphony breaks down many social and cultural barriers so that a new generation of musicians may thrive!

·        By performing and rehearsing, our musicians learn the importance of teamwork, social grace, good manners, stage etiquette, and proper dress.

·        The Greater Waterbury Youth Symphony has performed free of charge at the following venues;        

Ø    The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra

Ø    Waterbury Hospital

Ø    Mattatuck Museum

Ø    The Palace Theater

Ø    Brass Mill Center Mall

Ø    Waterbury Extended Care Facility

Ø    New Haven Symphony Orchestra

Ø    TimExpo Museum

Ø    Barnes and Nobel

 

     The Greater Waterbury Youth Symphony actively participates in The Greater Waterbury Arts Round Table

 ·The following media outlets have featured The Greater Waterbury Youth Symphony in the past year;

     Ø     The Waterbury Republican American

Ø     WATR 1320 AM Radio

Ø     SKYE Cable XIII

Ø     WTNH News Channel 8

Ø     NBC 30

Ø     Waterbury Channel 16 public access station