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. Dr. Baldwin earned a D.M.A. at The Ohio State University, where he received the Distinguished Dissertation Award for his work on the violin sonatas of William Bolcom. As a fellowship recipient, Dr. 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 and has performed with the Tacoma, Canton, and Columbus symphonies and played on several movie soundtrack recordings. As a guest conductor, Dr. 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 has served on the boards of the Maryland and Utah American String Teachers Association state chapters and has chaired the ASTA state solo competition and certificate-program examinations. Dr. Baldwin has presented lectures at eight ASTA National conventions and has also been invited to present at the Texas Music Educators Association convention and the Arkansas Music Educators Association.