The Winston-Salem Youth Flute Ensemble is a summer music program that gives students an opportunity to learn and perform music together during the summer months and to make new friends. The group is directed by flutists Peter and Lissie Shanahan, graduates of Indiana University, the North Carolina School of the Arts, and The Juilliard School. The WSYFE was formed in 2011 and consists of middle, high school, and college students.
Summer classes take place on select Mondays and Wednesdays through June and July. Absences are permitted for vacations and other conflicts. Students are sorted into three groups by the directors – intermediate, late intermediate, and advanced. All students who have played for a minimum of one year will be admitted into WSYFE. Tuition is $175 per student for the summer.
The WSYFE presents a series of three concerts in the community each summer. Our past seasons have included performances at local retirement homes, Old Salem, Winston-Salem ART CRUSH, Carowinds, the North Carolina Zoo, Kaleideum, a Winston-Salem Dash Game, and at Reynolds Auditorium as prelude to a Winston-Salem Symphony concert. To find information about our upcoming concerts, please visit our Calendar.
Any WSYFE member who is currently a student in the flute studios of Peter and Lissie Shanahan are required to remain in lessons throughout the duration of the summer classes. New students are welcome to join the ensemble without committing to lessons, though we strongly encourage them to study privately with a flute teacher.
2024 WSYFE summer rehearsal and concert information is now available! Download the registration form below to view important dates and to learn how to join.
