Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra facts for kids

The Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) is a special group for young musicians in Reading, Pennsylvania. It's a youth orchestra that plays amazing classical music. The RSYO helps young people learn and perform beautiful orchestral pieces.

History of the RSYO

The Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra started in 1989. It was created by the Reading Symphony Orchestra (RSO) to give local teenagers a chance to play classical music. The RSO and a group of parents help support the RSYO.

The orchestra performs concerts every year. They have shows in the fall, for the holidays, and in the spring. The RSYO has also traveled to many countries! They have visited the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. They also went to Italy in 2007 and 2012.

Past and Present Conductors

Peter Brye was the first conductor and music director of the RSYO. He led the orchestra for 27 years, from 1989 until 2016. Mr. Brye also played the cello for the RSO. He taught music at Millersville University for many years before he retired.

After Mr. Brye retired, Christopher Cinquini became the new conductor in 2016. Mr. Cinquini studied music at the Pennsylvania State University and West Chester University. Besides leading the RSYO, he also conducts for the Berks Opera Company. He also directs orchestras for students in grades 7-12 in the Boyertown Area School District.

Reading Symphony Junior String Orchestra

The Reading Symphony Junior String Orchestra (RSJSO) started in 1999. This group is for younger students, usually in grades 4 to 8. It helps them get ready to join the RSYO later on.

The RSJSO is led by Brian Mishler. They play different kinds of music, including pieces that help them learn. Each year, the Junior String Orchestra performs at least four concerts. They play many styles of music, from easy to more challenging.