The Youth Orchestras program was founded in 1947 as an educational outreach tool for the Wichita Symphony Society, and is the largest program of its kind serving Kansas students.
The Symphony maintains three active Youth Orchestras:
- Youth Chamber Players - string students from fourth to tenth grade.
- Repertory Orchestra - comprised of students in grades seven through twelve.
- Youth Symphony - comprised of students in grades seven through twelve.
All three Orchestras are conducted by respected professionals in the music education community, and each section of instruments also receives instruction from section coaches during rehearsals.
YOUTH ORCHESTRA CONCERTS
The Youth Orchestras perform two concerts throughout the academic school year, one in the spring and one in the fall. The 2012-2013 Youth Orchestras Concerts will be presented in the Century II Concert Hall on:
- Sunday, November 11, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. (passed)
- Saturday, March 2, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. CLICK FOR TICKETS
REQUIREMENTS
Membership is by audition only and members must have the recommendation of their orchestra and/or band directors. Exceptions are students from schools that have no orchestra or band program. Those students must be recommended by their school official and their private instructor, and must remain active in private lessons throughout the school year.
Members of the Youth Orchestras are required to participate in Saturday morning rehearsals from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Rehearsals are held at Wilbur Middle School.
The yearly fee to participate in the Youth Orchestras program is $150. Since dues and ticket sales cover only a small portion of the Youth Orchestras budget, tax-deductible contributions are welcome.
WANT TO AUDITION?
Applications for the 2013-2014 Youth Orchestras season can be downloaded by clicking on the links below. Auditions are held May 3-5 of 2013. Applications are now available with the links below. Please note there are two application forms, one for the Youth Chamber Players and one for the Repertory Orchestra and Youth Symphony.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information on the Youth Orchestras program, contact Youth Orchestras Manager Ann Trechak at 316-706-4167 or by e-mail at anntrechak@yahoo.com.
These activities are made possible with the generous support of The City of Wichita and Symphony al fresco.