The West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ season is about to start – and along with some changes and additions, they are once again ready to welcome you to join their ranks! Here’s the official announcement:

WSCO welcomes Rachel Nevis as she takes over the conducting duties for the Debut Orchestra. This group will expand to include woodwinds and brass, providing a full orchestra experience for those musicians new to playing.

Leading the Intermediate Orchestra is WSCO’s founding conductor Toni Reineke, Ph.D. The Intermediate Orchestra provides musical opportunities for midrange musicians, whether students moving up in their skills, or adults who are coming back to music after time away; mentoring is a key aspect of this group along with additional learning opportunities from SYSO coaches.

Kim Roy, who led the group in a rousing rendition of Aaron Copland’s “Hoedown,” will be conducting the Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Roy is a well-known Seattle musician who also conducts the Seattle Rock Orchestra. She will lead the Symphony Orchestras in tackling the most challenging works of our three groups, providing members with a chance to stretch themselves and provide audiences with great performances right here in West Seattle. The schedule for the Symphony Orchestra has been expanded this season to include three ten-week sessions.

A brand new addition to WSCO this fall is an Adult Beginning Winds and Percussion Class, taught by Toni Reineke. And due to the popularity of the Adult Beginning Strings Class last spring, a new Adult Beginning Strings Class is offered this fall, taught by Kriszti Bunica, candidate for Masters in Teaching. Both classes will meet at 7:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday evenings, at Chief Sealth International High School. Class sizes will be limited. Information and registration information is available on the website.

Registration is now open; rehearsals begin September 25, at Chief Sealth (2600 SW Thistle). For more information please visit our website, www.wscorchestras.org.