Registration for Fall 2025 will open in July!
Questions? Please email Stuart McLemore, Operations Manager, at operations@fayettevillesymphony.org.
The Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra seeks to enhance music education for young musicians in the greater Fayetteville area by providing quality training, ensemble playing experience, and unique performance opportunities.
The FSYO is not just one orchestra; it is a program of five different ensembles that provide orchestral training through weekly rehearsals.
Participating in FSYO allows students to extend their training beyond private lessons and school ensembles to become a team member in an ensemble of many diverse young musicians.
FSYO Ensembles
Youth Orchestra
Youth Orchestra is for intermediate to advanced players who play one of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and percussion. Led by Dr. Daniel McCloud and Miss. Kristin Stiteler, this ensemble will rehearse weekly on Sundays from 4-5pm. The Youth Orchestra will participate in three performances, one of which is a side-by-side concert with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Students placed in Youth Orchestra will also be expected to participate in Concert Band (wind and percussion students) or Chamber Strings (string students).
Requirements:
- Musicians must be at least 13 years of age*, and no older than 21 years of age by September 1, 2024
- Musicians must be a member of their schools band/orchestra if one exists
- All musicians, returning and new, must complete an audition – audition information will be sent following registration
- *Age requirement may be waived based on audition
Concert Band
Concert Band is for intermediate to advanced players who play one of the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, or percussion. Led by Dr. Daniel McCloud, this ensemble will rehearse weekly on Sundays from 5:15-6:15pm. This ensemble will provide band students with ensemble playing experience and specialized instruction from qualified teachers. Students may also participate in Youth Orchestra.
Requirements:
- Musicians must be at least 11 years of age, and no older than 21 years of age by September 1, 2024
- Musicians must be a member of their schools band/orchestra if one exists
- All musicians, returning and new, must complete an audition – audition information will be sent following registration
Chamber Strings
Designed for intermediate to advanced string musicians (violin, viola, cello, or bass). Musicians should be fluent in first and third positions, developing extended positions, and demonstrate advanced bowing techniques. Members will refine dynamics, articulation skills and are introduced to challenging string literature. This ensemble focuses on cross-listening between sections, blend and balance, expressing various styles of music, and pursuing detailed, mature music-making. This ensemble is led by Miss. Kristin Stiteler and will rehearsal weekly on Sundays from 2:45-3:45pm. Members of this ensemble will also be part of the Youth Orchestra.
Requirements: Same as Youth Orchestra
Cello Choir
Cello Choir is a unique experience for cello students led by Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Cellist, Mrs. Barbara Shipp. This ensemble will focus on repertoire for cellists and will perform at events within the Fayetteville community. This ensemble will meet weekly on Thursdays from 4:45-5:45pm.
Requirements: Same as Youth Orchestra.
String Sinfonietta
String Sinfonietta is for string musicians (violin, viola, cello, or bass) with at least one year of playing experience. This ensemble is designed to improve playing techniques and prepare students for future participation in Chamber Strings and Youth Orchestra. Led by Mrs. Laurel Wachtler, this ensemble will meet weekly on Mondays from 6-7pm.
Requirements:
- Musicians must be at least 7 years of age, and no older than 13 years of age by September 1, 2024
- Musicians must have at least one year of playing experience.
- Musicians must participate in their school’s orchestra if one exists
- Musicians must complete an audition – audition information will be sent following registration. **Please note that the audition is for placement purposes only, no students who meet the requirements will be turned away.
Audition Information
Auditions are for placement into an ensemble and for placement within the ensemble (section and seating). Auditions are required.
Chamber Strings, Cello Choir, & Youth Orchestra
String Players Only
SCALES
- Perform, from memory, TWO octave major scales and arpeggios of your choice up to 4 sharps and 4 flats.
- One of the scales must require that you shift.
- You may perform each scale with any rhythm or bowing technique that you choose.
SOLO
- Select a solo that best demonstrates your playing ability.
- You will perform 2 – 3 minutes of the solo, without accompaniment.
- Etudes are also acceptable in place of a solo. Orchestra parts are not acceptable.
- The degree of difficulty of the chosen work is factored into the judging, but the execution of the piece is equally considered.
- Your teacher may be able to help you select an appropriate solo. If you have difficulty selecting a solo, please email Kristin Stiteler at kstiteler@fayettevillesymphony.org and she will assist you.
Concert Band & Youth Orchestra
Wind/Percussion Players Only
This repertoire is included for reference only. New audition repertoire will be uploaded when Fall 2025 registration opens in July.
String Sinfonietta
- Select a solo that best demonstrates your playing ability.
- You will perform the solo without accompaniment.
- Etudes are also acceptable in place of a solo. Orchestra parts are not acceptable.
- The degree of difficulty of the chosen work is factored into the judging, but the execution of the piece is equally considered.
- Ask your teacher for help selecting a solo or etude to play. Any piece from Essential Elements, Suzuki books, or any other book is acceptable. Selections can be as easy as Mary Had a Little Lamb and Ode to Joy. If you need assistance selecting a solo, please contact Laurel Wachtler at lwachtler@fayettevillesymphony.org.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition is $250/year for all ensembles. Students who participate in multiple ensembles will only be charged one flat tuition fee. Tuition may be paid in full or in two installments. Limited financial aid is available by application only.
Regarding Financial Aid: The Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra is a non-profit organization, and tuition provides just a portion of our operating budget. Contingent upon availability of resources, the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra strives to provide financial aid for applicants who are truly in need, and would otherwise be unable to participate. Financial aid applications will be made available when registration opens again.
Questions related to financial aid or tuition may be directed to Stuart McLemore, Operations Manager, at operations@fayettevillesymphony.org.
Faculty
Miss. Kristin Stiteler, Youth Orchestra Director
Kristin Stiteler is a native of Ohio and began playing the violin in 3rd grade. She has taught both band and orchestra classes at all grade levels for over twenty six years in both Ohio and North Carolina. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University where she studied both violin and jazz saxophone. She also marched bass drum in The Ohio State University Marching Band, holding the distinction of being the first female bass drum player in the history of the band.
Miss Stiteler is an accomplished musician on several instruments and has performed regularly with multiple ensembles. She has performed with several symphony orchestras in Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina since 1997 and she is currently in her 21st year of playing Viola with the Fayetteville (NC) Symphony Orchestra where she held the position of Principal Violist for several years
When not playing her viola, Miss Stiteler enjoys playing Celtic and American Folk music on mandolin, banjo, and guitar. As a member of the Classical Mandolin Society of America, she has traveled to Wisconsin, Illinois, and New York City to perform as a member and a soloist with classical mandolin orchestras on both mandolin and mandola. Most recently she traveled to Japan and Italy to perform with the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra
Miss Stiteler conducted the Cumberland County Youth Orchestra from 2002-2016, and has held several leadership roles at both the Region and County levels. She has been invited to serve as Guest Clinician for All-County Ensembles in nearby NC districts, and is an active member of NAfME, NCMEA, American String Teacher Association, and the Classical Mandolin Society of America.
Miss Stiteler has taught orchestra in the Cumberland County School District since 2002 and is currently the orchestra teacher at John Griffin Middle School.
Dr. Daniel McCloud, Youth Band Director
Originally from Gary, Indiana, Dr. Daniel McCloud earned his Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Dr. McCloud earned a Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and completed a Doctor of Arts degree in Percussion Performance and Instrumental Conducting from Ball State.
Dr. McCloud is an active educator, adjudicator, clinician and performer. Within the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra organization, Dr. McCloud serves as the FSO Assistant Conductor, FSYO Band Instructor, Director of the affiliate Fayetteville Symphonic Band, and a section percussionist in the flagship orchestra.
Dr. McCloud is also an active composer and arranger. He has received commissions from the World Saxophone Congress in addition to numerous soloists and Instrumental ensembles. Most notably, he composed the theme music for a documentary film, “Ed Ball’s Century” for PBS affiliate, WIPB-TV at Ball State University. Dr. McCloud has more than 30 percussion compositions published by Dutch Music Partners. He is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP); Percussive Arts Society and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Outside of music, Dr. McCloud enjoys cooking, the occasional weekend warrior activity, and spending time with his wife Sandy and their three sons, Zavier, Zander, and Zane.
Mrs. Laurel Wachtler, String Sinfonietta Director
Laurel Wachtler, violinist, hails from New Mexico, where she graduated with a B.S. degree from New Mexico State University. She has played in numerous orchestras while following her Air Force husband’s career, including Phillips Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra of Southern Maryland where she was principal second violin. Upon arrival in Fayetteville, Laurel began performing with Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and is in her 24th year. She is a frequent performer with Florence Symphony, Wilmington Symphony, and Carolina Philharmonic. Laurel has been a part of the Snyder Memorial Baptist Church orchestra and The Singing Christmas Tree productions for 12 years. She has maintained an active private studio since 2010 teaching violin and beginning piano.
Outside of music, Laurel’s interests include flying airplanes, scuba diving, hiking, gardening, and singing with The Coventry Carolers. She is also a volunteer tax preparer for AARP’s Tax-Aide program.
Mrs. Barbara Shipp, Cello Choir Director & Lower Strings Coach
Barbara Shipp, cellist, performs regularly throughout eastern North Carolina as both a soloist and chamber musician. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from East Carolina University and a Master of Library Science degree from NC Central University. A former orchestra director for Pitt and Cumberland County Schools, she is now a freelance ‘cellist, private instructor of ‘cello, and co-director of Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra and Sinfonietta. Barbara is a member of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Fayetteville Symphony String Quartet, Carolina Philharmonic, Barton Wilson Symphony Orchestra, Crystal Coast Musicians and Elegant Ensembles. She currently resides in Fayetteville with her son, Ryan, and their many rescued pets.
May 2020 – Irish Suite, Part I – Leroy Anderson; Adapted by Douglas E. Wagner
April 2020 – Take Five
May 2018 – Theme from Jurassic Park
May 2018 – FSYO Concert Band, Amparita Roca
FSYO received start up funding from Cumberland Community Foundation and is Supported By:
