Rehearsals & Performances

The Syracuse Youth Wind Symphony will rehearse weekly, from November - May each year, on Sundays from 6:45-8:30pm. The ensemble will begin in November to support inclusion of students who participate in competitive Marching Band during September and October. Rehearsals will take place at Westhill High School in Syracuse, New York. The SYWS will perform two to three concert cycles each year featuring masterworks, contemporary Wind Band pieces, and other cornerstones of the pre-professional and professional repertoire.

Erin Althen

Erin Althen is a music teacher, performer, conductor, clinician, and author whose life’s work is sharing music ​with students in a way that they connect to the most fulfilling, authentic, and light-filled expression of their ​being. Ms. Althen is in her twenty-second year teaching in the Westhill Central School District in Syracuse, ​New York, where she serves as the Westhill High School Director of Bands and Chair of the Fine Arts ​Department; conducts the WHS Wind Ensemble, Jazz Lab, Percussion Ensemble, Pit Band, and Pep Band; ​advises the Tri-M National Honor Society for music; and coaches chamber music ensembles.

Ms. Althen is the founder and co-conductor of the Syracuse Youth Wind Symphony; co-founder of the ​Central New York Music Teacher Mentoring Program, and co-authored The Sight Reading Book, a series of ​21 sight-reading books carefully aligned with state-specific criteria. Ms. Althen maintains a private flute ​studio and has performed on flute and piccolo with various music educator wind bands and orchestras. She ​is active as a clinician and guest conductor and has led honor ensembles and presented clinics to music ​educators at County, State, and National conferences.

Ms. Althen is the proud recipient of the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) Outstanding ​Band Director Award, National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) New York State Outstanding Music ​Educator Award, the Westhill Staff Recognition Award and Yearbook Dedication, and is deeply honored to ​have been named as one of 215 quarterfinalists for the 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award. Ms. Althen ​holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education with Performance Honors in Flute from Syracuse ​University’s Setnor School of Music, and is a graduate of the Farmington Public Schools, in Farmington, ​Connecticut.

Erin Althen

Greg Borsz

Greg Borsz is in his nineteenth year as a music teacher in the West Genesee Central School District. Mr. ​Borsz is the Director of the West Genesee High School Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble, ​and teaches brass lessons at the High School and Camillus Middle School. He is also the Assistant Director ​of the 34-time New York State Field Band Conference Champion Wildcat Marching Band. Mr. Borsz has ​previously served West Genesee as the High School Symphonic Band Director and West Genesee Middle ​School Jazz Band Director.

Prior to Mr. Borsz’s time in the West Genesee School District, he spent six years as the Band Director at ​Corning-Painted Post East High School. Mr. Borsz is active as a trombonist and has performed with the ​Utica Symphony, Southern Tier Symphony, Central Winds Music Educators’ Wind Ensemble, Central Winds ​Jazz Ensemble, Pinnacle Brass, SYTRUS Brass, and the Sam Pallet Band. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in ​Music Education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and a Master’s degree in Music ​Education from Ithaca College.

Greg Borsz

Repertoire

Work Study Tuition Assistance Program

It is the aim of the SYWS to provide all students who have auditioned for and been accepted to the SYWS the opportunity to perform despite any financial challenges or hardships that may exist. To achieve this goal, we offer the following Leadership Team positions:

(Full and Half Tuition Available) Librarians and Administrative Assistants - Organize SYWS library, help prep and collect music for each concert cycle, assist with administration of the ensembles. Summer and early-school year work may be involved. More work as the concert cycles start and end.

(Full Tuition) Stage Managers and Crew - Arrive at rehearsals early to set up and stay late to tear down. Leave the school/performance venue in the same condition (or better!) each rehearsal. Assist conductors and SYWS manager as needed at rehearsals/performances.

(Full Tuition) Percussion Manager - Arrive at rehearsals early to set up and stay late to tear down and manage the percussion needs of the ensemble. Leave the school’s percussion section/room in the same condition (or better!) each rehearsal.

We are looking for independent, hard working, punctual and present leaders who are in need of financial tuition assistance and who desire to lead within the ensemble by fulfilling the requirements of these positions. SYWS students, once accepted, receive information about the Work Study program and application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are rehearsals located?

Rehearsals will take place at Westhill High School in Syracuse.

How much is tuition for the Syracuse Youth Wind Symphony?

Tuition is $425 per student for the 2024-2025 school year. Work Study scholarships are available for interested student-musicians (please see ​the Work Study Program page).

Who may participate in the SYWS and do musicians have to perform in their school ensembles?

The SYWS auditions are open to all interested grade 9-12 level 5-6 Woodwind, Brass, String Bass, Piano, and Percussion students from across ​CNY. Students may attend public schools, private schools, or homeschool. There is an expectation that our musicians participate in their school ​major ensembles (Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band for our Woodwind/Brass/Percussion; Orchestra for our String Basses) if such ​programs exist.

SyracuseYouthWindSymphony@gmail.com

The Syracuse Youth Wind Symphony (SYWS) is a 501(c)(3) not for profit.

Should you have interest in donating to support the SYWS, please reach out!