The Youth Symphony offers ensembles that enhance the musical
experience for 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 your
audition score and the recommendation of our judges. Students will
be judged on intonation, interpretation, tone, rhythm, technique and
scale proficiency. Also considered are grade and instrumentation
needs of the ensemble.
Symphony Orchestra (10th grade - age 21) -
Advanced full
orchestra performing classical symphonic repertoire, conducted by Steven
D. Davis.
Academy Orchestra (8th grade - 12th grade) -
Advanced-intermediate full orchestra, conducted by Russell E. Berlin.
Philharmonic Orchestra (7th grade - 12th grade) -
Intermediate full orchestra that performs original compositions and
arrangements of symphonic music, conducted by Russell E. Berlin.
Symphonette Orchestra (5th grade -
9th grade) - full orchestra of beginning musicians performing
arrangements and original orchestral works, conducted by Dr. Mary Lou
Jones.
String Orchestra East (4th grade –
7th grade) - introductory level string ensemble that performs
arrangements of major composers and original orchestral works, conducted by Joe Keeney located in Lee's Summit.
String Orchestra West (4th grade - 7th grade) - introductory level
string ensemble that performs arrangements of major composers and
original orchestral works, conducted by Gail Rowland.
