Education > Youth Orchestra

Youth Orchestra

Since 1989, the Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) has been serving the community as part of the mission of the Reading Symphony Orchestra. Hundreds of young musicians from the region have gained the experience of performing classical orchestral music of the highest caliber. The orchestra is a project of the Education Committee of the Reading Symphony Board of Directors. Peter Brye serves as conductor.

The RSYO performs a Holiday and Spring concert, and appears with the Reading Symphony on a Classical Subscription Concert.

The Parents and Patrons of the Youth Orchestra (PPYO), the RSYO parent association support group, have hosted music festivals for select symphonic youth groups and offer support to the program.

Beyond central Pennsylvania, the RSYO has traveled and performed in youth musical group festivals, Virginia Beach, Boston, and Toronto, Canada. The RSYO was honored to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) annual meeting in 2000 in Pittsburgh, PA.

In June, 2001, the RSYO embarked on their first trip abroad, to the United Kingdom, performing four concerts in their ten day tour. In 2003 the group toured French Canada. In 2004, they returned to Europe touring Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Prague.ADD: The orchestra had a successful tour to Italy in 2007 accompanied by RSO Concertmaster Christopher Collins Lee. They recently returned from a successful tour to Prague, Vienna and Budapest, again accompanied by Mr. Lee.

For further information about the RSYO visit their site at http://www.readingsymphonyyouth.org

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Peter J. Brye, Music Director
Following a brilliant career, Peter has recently retired from Millersville University where he served as Professor of Violoncello and Conductor of the University Orchestra. The RSO Board invited Peter to become Director of Educational Outreach in addition to his work as Music Director of the RSYO. Originally from Corvallis, Oregon, Peter Brye holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Oregon.

Originally from Corvallis, Oregon, Peter Brye holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Oregon. Continuing studies at the Pennsylvania State University, he received a Master of Music degree in Cello Performance. Mr. Brye has done additional work at the Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore, MD, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA and the University of Michigan.

Currently in his 26th year on the faculty at Millersville University, Brye serves as Professor of Violoncello and Conductor of the University Orchestra. He also serves as a guest conductor for many orchestra festivals throughout the Northeastern United States. The honor of Distinguished String Teacher of the Year was awarded Mr. Brye from Pennsylvania Delaware String Teachers Association with Pennsylvania School Orchestra Association. Mr. Brye appears frequently as a recitalist, orchestra soloist and chamber musician throughout the central Pennsylvania area and is currently Assistant Principal ‘cellist of the Reading Symphony Orchestra. In 2008, Peter was the conductor of PMEA All-State Orchestra, the premier ensemble of its kind in the state.