Western Piedmont Symphony

Mission

To enrich and engage the communities of the Catawba Valley and western foothills through exceptional, professional, accessible symphonic music experiences, creative and relevant performances, and meaningful educational opportunities for all ages.

About

Founded more than six decades ago, Western Piedmont Symphony (WPS) is the professional orchestra of the western foothills of North Carolina and is based in Hickory. For 62 years, WPS has enriched and engaged communities across western North Carolina through high-quality symphonic music, creative and relevant performances, and educational opportunities for all ages. Under Music Director Matthew Troy, the Symphony presents a wide range of programming each season, including its classical Masterworks series, the Foothills Pops series, youth orchestras and education initiatives, and community engagement events throughout the Catawba Valley.

Western Piedmont Symphony is committed to making live orchestral music accessible, inspiring, and meaningful for audiences of all backgrounds. Through performances featuring acclaimed guest artists and a professional orchestra of highly trained musicians, WPS creates musical experiences that strengthen the cultural life of the region. In addition to its season concert offerings, the Symphony provides educational programming and engagement opportunities that connect thousands of students, families, and communities through live music each year.

Western Piedmont Symphony is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, is a funded affiliate of Arts Culture Catawba, and is a member of the League of American Orchestras.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer roles supporting concerts, events, and visiting musicians.

Concert & Event Volunteers

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Volunteer roles include concert greeter, usher, ticket scanner, box office assistant, merchandise table assistant, front-of-house assistant, event and reception set-up/take-down, audition check-in, and poster distribution. To get involved, email volunteer@wpsymphony.org or visit wpsymphony.org/volunteer/.

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#Volunteer Opportunities

Host Family for Musicians & Guest Artists

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Volunteers can host visiting musicians and guest artists in their homes during concerts and residencies. Contact volunteer@wpsymphony.org for details.

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#Volunteer Opportunities

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Professional symphonic concerts presented across the Catawba Valley and western foothills.

Masterworks Series

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Five concerts of new and familiar classical symphonic works featuring world-class guest artists, performed by the Western Piedmont Symphony under Music Director Matthew Troy. Most Masterworks concerts are held at P.E. Monroe Auditorium on the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC.

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Foothills Pops Series

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Three orchestral concert experiences featuring popular guest performers, with the Western Piedmont Symphony led by Maestro Matthew Troy. Foothills Pops concerts are held at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir, NC.

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Arts, Culture & Recreation

Music education and auditioned youth orchestras for students across the region.

WPS Youth Orchestras (Debut Strings & Youth Symphony)

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Two auditioned youth ensembles. Debut Strings, conducted by Angela Allen, is a string orchestra for intermediate-level developing players and performs two concerts a year. The Youth Symphony, led by Emily Bumgarner, is an advanced ensemble of mostly high school students that rehearses Monday evenings and performs two concerts a year. Auditions are required.

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Explore the Orchestra!

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An educational concert created and performed by the Symphony in partnership with regional school districts and music teachers. Aligned to the K–8 NC Essential Standards in Music, it helps students recognize the orchestra's instrument families and how they produce sound.

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#Education & School Supplies

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer roles supporting concerts, events, and visiting musicians.

Concert & Event Volunteers

Give

#Volunteer

#Volunteer Opportunities

Host Family for Musicians & Guest Artists

Give

Volunteers can host visiting musicians and guest artists in their homes during concerts and residencies. Contact volunteer@wpsymphony.org for details.

#Volunteer

#Volunteer Opportunities

Email: info@wpsymphony.org

Phone: 828-324-8603