The WASBE Youth Wind Orchestra (WYWO) serves as a unique and prestigious platform that brings together some of the most gifted young musicians from around the world, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their talent in a collaborative, international setting. The purpose of the WYWO is to foster the development of young wind musicians by providing them with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work alongside distinguished conductors, composers, and soloists. Through this experience, the participants not only improve their technical and musical skills but also gain exposure to diverse cultural perspectives and performance practices.

Learn about the WYWO team.

Join WYWO #Rio2026

Overview

Throughout the week of intensive rehearsals, masterclasses, and performances, participants have the chance to hone their artistry in a high-pressure, professional environment. The culmination of this week-long experience is a performance at the WASBE Conference, where the orchestra showcases their work in front of an international audience of peers, educators, and industry leaders. This performance serves as both a celebration of their hard work and an opportunity to elevate their personal and collective careers to new heights.

The overarching goal of the WASBE Youth Wind Orchestra is to create lasting connections between young musicians from all corners of the globe, build their confidence, and inspire them to continue pursuing excellence in their musical journeys. It exemplifies the values of cultural exchange, artistic development, and the joy of collaboration, leaving participants with invaluable memories and skills that will shape their futures in the world of music.

Learn more about WYWO

conductors and repertoire.

"I was blown away by the incredible support and organization that WYWO had. I thought the value was exceptional and I had an incredible time. The food was delicious, the hotel was amazing, all the staff from WASBE were professional and courteous, everything was clean. It was amazing."

- Christopher Dollesin (Saxophone, USA), Korea 2024 WYWO participant

WHAT THEY SAY

"The most memorable one would definitely be the rooftop practice the night before the concert. That was the best musicking experience I have ever had in my life. Even though we had only a few of us, in different nationalities, the music we played united us and the harmony was gorgeous. And of course the touching rehearsals and concert were unforgettable as well. Linking everyone with music is for sure the best part about the WYWO. Proud to be one of them!"

- Tin Lok Chiu (Clarinet, Hong Kong), Korea 2024 WYWO Participant

The WASBE Youth Wind Orchestra (WYWO) has been an important part of the WASBE Conferences held around the globe since 1983. WYWO brings together talented young musicians from all over the world to perform wind band repertoire at the highest level. Students will have the opportunity to work with internationally renowned conductors, composers and soloists during a week of intensive music making in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in July 2026. The overarching goal of the WASBE Youth Wind Orchestra is to create lasting connections between young musicians from all corners of the globe, build their confidence, and inspire them to continue pursuing excellence in their musical journeys. It exemplifies the values of cultural exchange, artistic development, and the joy of collaboration, leaving participants with invaluable memories and skills that will shape their futures in the world of music.

Throughout the week of intensive rehearsals, masterclasses, and performances, participants have the chance to hone their artistry in a high-pressure, professional environment. The culmination of this week-long experience is a performance at the WASBE Conference, where the orchestra showcases their work in front of an international audience of peers, educators, and industry leaders. This performance serves as both a celebration of their hard work and an opportunity to elevate their personal and collective careers to new heights.

PROGRAMME

Chacona Amazonica by Marlos Nobre
New Commission by Kenneth Hesketh

Symphony for Winds by Arturo Marquez

CONDUCTORS

Brian Messier

USA

Tobias Volkman

Brazil

INSTRUMENTATION

Piccolo · 2 Flutes · Oboe · Cor anglais (doubling oboe) · Eb Clarinet · 3 Bb Clarinets · Bb bass Clarinet · Soprano Saxophone · 2 Eb alto Saxophones · Bb tenor Saxophone · Eb baritone Saxophone · 2 Bassoons · 4 Horns in F · 3 Bb Cornets · 2 Bb Trumpets · 2 Tenor Trombones · Bass Trombone · 2 Euphoniums · 2 Tubas · String bass · Percussion (5-6 players) · Timpani

FEES

USD347 per person

Include:

6 nights accommodation in multi-bedrooms (20th July – 26th July 2026)
6 x breakfast at Hotel
6 x lunch
6 x dinner
6 days x rehearsal activity
1 x ticket to Gala Concert
WASBE RIO 2026 T-shirt
WYWO members have free admission to all WASBE concerts (subject to available capacity).

Exclude:

Any travel costs for journey to Rio
Public transportation in Rio for personal activities
Individual Travel insurance

APPLICATION

Age limit: 18 – 25 years

(Date of birth between July 2001 – July 2008)

Recording information:

Recording of yourself performing 2 (from within the last 6 months) contrasting pieces on your instrument (YouTube videos - could be an unlisted link)
Resume / Curriculum Vitae
A letter of recommendation from a major instrument teacher or conductor 
Passport size photo (jpeg preferred) published in due course.

CLOSING DATE

March 26, 2026

Successful applicants will be informed during the first week of April, 2026

ENQUIRY

Feel free to contact us at wywo@wasbe.org

Apply here!

conductors

Conductors
through the years

Geoffrey Brand Boston, USA (1987)	John Bourgeois Boston, USA (1987)	Karel Husa Kerkrade, The Netherlands (1989) Schladming, Austria (1997)
Jan Cober Kerkrade, The Netherlands (1989)	H. Robert Reynolds Manchester, UK (1991) Cincinnati, USA (2009)	Frank Renton Manchester, UK (1991)
Per Lyng Manchester, UK (1991)	Heinz Friesen Valencia, Spain (1993)	Pablo Sanchez Torrella Valencia, Spain (1993)
Yasuhide Ito Hamamatsu, Japan (1995) Singapore (2005)	Ray E. Cramer Hamamatsu, Japan (1995)	Nico Boom Hamamatsu, Japan (1995)
Walter Rescheneder Schladming, Austria (1997)	Eugen Brixel Schladming, Austria (1997)	Wayne Marshall San Luis Obispo, USA (1999)
Toshiyuki Shimada San Luis Obispo, USA (1999)	Ronald Johnson San Luis Obispo, USA (1999)	Baldur Brönnimann Lucerne, Switzerland (2001)
Larry Rachleff Lucerne, Switzerland (2001)	Gary Hill Jönköping, Sweden (2003)	Glenn D. Price Jönköping, Sweden (2003) Killarney, Ireland (2007)
Felix Hauswirth Singapore (2005)	Gerhard Markson Killarney, Ireland (2007)	Frank Battisti Cincinnati, USA (2009)
Donald Hunsberger Cincinnati, USA (2009)	Douglas Bostock Chiayi, Taiwan (2011)	Dario Sotelo Chiayi, Taiwan (2011)
José R. Pascual-Vilaplana San Jose, USA (2015)	Ivan Meylemans Utrecht, The Netherlands (2017)	Timothy Reynish Prague, Czech Republic (2022)
Marek Prášil Prague, Czech Republic (2022)	Beatriz F. Aucejo Gwangju-Gyeonggi, Korea (2024)	Surapol Thanyawibool Gwangju-Gyeonggi, Korea (2024)