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The Spokane Youth Symphony Orchestra is comprised primarily of students in high school and a few college age musicians who continue to appreciate the educational opportunities by studying with the group. By the time students reach the Symphony Orchestra, they have had years of private study and have distinguished themselves musically in their school orchestra and band programs and participation in area competitions. It is from this point that the student musician graduates into professional study or instruction. Members of the Symphony Orchestra also have an opportunity to compete in a concerto competition and participate in chamber groups.
The Spokane Youth Symphony Orchestra rehearses Monday evenings, September thru May from 6:30-9:00pm. Location: St. John's Cathedral, 127 E. 12th (Great Hall in east wing)
Dr. Philip Baldwin is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Spokane Youth Symphony and Violin Professor and conductor of the Whitworth University Symphony Orchestra. Baldwin earned a D.M.A. at Ohio State University, receiving the Distinguished Dissertation Award for work on the violin sonatas of William Bolcom. As a fellowship recipient, Baldwin attended the Conductor’s Institute of South Carolina and studied under distinguished teachers Paul Vermel, Kate Tamarkin, and Donald Portnoy, and trained with Wayne Toews at the Saito International Conducting School.
Dr. Baldwin serves as the concertmaster and assistant conductor of the Coeur d’Alene Symphony, is a former member of the Spokane Symphony, and has performed with the Tacoma, Canton, and Columbus symphonies. As a guest conductor, Baldwin has appeared with the members of the Spokane Symphony, conducted the WMEA Junior All-State Orchestra, and twice directed the Hong Kong Youth Music Camp.
Dr. Baldwin is the past president of the Washington chapter of the American String Teachers and director of the Birch Bay String Teachers Workshop. Dr. Baldwin has presented lectures at eight ASTA National conventions, the Texas and Arkansas Music Educators Association conventions, and at two International Short Story conferences on the intersection of music and literature.