Ensembles

The Youth Symphony offers ensembles for dedicated musicians from fourth grade to age 21.  Every musician must audition each year regardless of previous Youth Symphony participation.  Placement is competitive and is based on audition score and the recommendation of the adjudicators.  Students will be scored on intonation, interpretation, tone, rhythm, technique and scale proficiency.  Also considered are grade and instrumentation needs of each ensemble.

Symphony Orchestra (10th grade - age 21) - Advanced full orchestra performing classical symphonic repertoire, conducted by Steven D. Davis. This ensemble meets on Sunday afternoons from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at St. Paul School of Theology.

Academy Orchestra (8th grade - 12th grade) - Advanced-intermediate full orchestra, conducted by Russell E. Berlin. This ensemble meets on Sunday afternoons from 1:15-3:15 p.m. at UMKC Conservatory of Music.

Philharmonic Orchestra (7th grade - 12th grade) - Intermediate full orchestra that performs original compositions and arrangements of symphonic music, conducted by Michelle Davis. This ensemble meets on Sunday afternoons from 3:45-5:45 p.m. at UMKC Conservatory of Music.

Symphonette Orchestra (5th grade - 9th grade) - full orchestra of beginning musicians performing arrangements and original orchestral works, conducted by Joe Keeney. This ensemble meets on Sunday afternoons from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Shawnee Mission South High School.

String Orchestra (4th grade - 7th grade) - Introductory level string ensemble that performs arrangements of major composers and original orchestral works, conducted by Gail Rowland. This ensemble meets on Sunday afternoons from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Shawnee Mission South High School.

Rehearsal times, locations and days are subject to change.