NEWS RELEASE
Wichita Symphony Orchestra
November 23, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WICHITA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS ANNOUNCE NEW CONDUCTORS
Dr. Timothy Shade Moves to Youth Symphony as Bryan Kirk Joins Wind Ensemble
Wichita, KS – The Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestras (WSYO) and Wichita Symphony Orchestra (WSO) are pleased to announce an exciting transition in Youth Orchestras conductors. Following a four-month search, Dr. Timothy Shade has been appointed the new Youth Symphony Conductor.
Dr. Shade, who serves as Director of Bands at Wichita State University, joined WSYO in 2018 with the addition of the Youth Wind Ensemble. This exciting transition to the Youth Symphony podium comes at a time when the Youth Orchestras program has seen tremendous growth with the recent additions of the Youth Concert Band and Introductory String Ensemble.
Dr. Shade’s transition leaves the podium open for the Youth Wind Ensemble. Bryan Kirk joins the team as the new conductor of the Youth Wind Ensemble. Dr. Shade and Mr. Kirk will co-conduct Youth Wind Ensemble in Spring 2025 before Mr. Kirk assumes the solo conductor position in Fall 2025. Mr. Kirk brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to the Wind Ensemble. He has taught band in Kansas for 25 years, currently serving as Director of Bands at Andover Central.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for our WSYO program as we welcome new and familiar educators to our team,” said Maya Grossman, Director of Youth Orchestras. “Under their baton, we look forward to our young musicians reaching new heights in their artistry.”
The Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestras are vital to the Symphony’s mission of cultivating the next generation of musicians. Through these ensembles, students gain invaluable musical experiences, perform challenging repertoire, and develop skills that extend beyond music, such as leadership, discipline, and collaboration.
For more information on the Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestras Program, visit https://WichitaSymphony.org/Education or contact the Symphony office at (316) 267-5259.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Contact: Nina Longhofer, Marketing Director
Phone: (316) 267-5259, ext. 112
Email: nlonghofer@wso.org
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