The Topeka Youth Symphony convened for the first time in 1957 under the sponsorship of the Topeka Symphony Society and led by Mr. Robert Hallman. Its mission is to provide young musicians the opportunity to play in a symphony orchestra with their peers from high schools throughout northeast Kansas. There are now three Youth Orchestras that consist of student musicians from the Topeka area and across northeast Kansas.

 

YOUTH SYMPHONY
Dr. Silas Huff, Conductor

 

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Ryan Masotto, Conductor

 

SYMPHONETTE
Carolyn Sandquist, Conductor

Topeka Youth Orchestras

Register to audition now for the Spring Semester of the 2022-2023 season!

Auditions are Tuesday, December 13, 2022, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM in Garvey Center, Washburn University.

Please register for auditions using the link below

Audition Registration link

Audition Requirements

Symphonette

The audition material can be found at the link below. Please prepare the scale, the two solo excerpts, and a solo of your choice. You will also be asked to sight-read during your audition.
Symphonette Audition Music

Chamber Orchestra

The audition material can be found at the link below. Please prepare the scale, the two solo excerpts, and a solo of your choice. You will also be asked to sight read during your audition.
Chamber Orchestra Audition Music

Youth Symphony

Please prepare: a 3 octave scale of your choice, a solo piece of your choice, the excerpts for your instrument (link below), and sight-reading (excerpt given at the audition).
Youth Symphony Audition Music

Offered Ensembles

Symphonette: Mrs. Carolyn Sandquist, director
The Symphonette is a beginning-level string orchestra for players violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students in this group should be able to read music up to 2 sharps or 2 flats and play their instrument on all four strings at a proficient level. In the Symphonette, students will learn to play more challenging music as an ensemble and also have the opportunity to work with Topeka area professionals.

Chamber Orchestra: Mr. Ryan Masotto, director
The Chamber Orchestra is an intermediate/advanced string ensemble welcoming students who play violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students in this ensemble will be expected to play music above their average grade level. Students should be developing or proficient in their skills of shifting, vibrato, and other extended techniques. Students are expected to practice the material outside of rehearsal and if possible, with their private instructor.

Topeka Youth Symphony: Dr. Silas Huff, director
The Youth Symphony is a full symphonic orchestra welcoming players of all traditional band and orchestra instruments. Students in this ensemble should be advanced players looking to grow their musical knowledge and ability. This orchestra will perform traditional orchestral repertoire and also offer the opportunity to play alongside area professionals.

 

Tuition

Due before the first rehearsal on January 17, 2023

Symphonette: $85/yr or $50/semester
Chamber Orchestra: $100/yr or $60/semester
Youth Symphony: $115/yr or $70/semester

Students will pay using the link below after their audition and acceptance into one of the youth orchestras:

LINK FOR TUITION PAYMENT

Tuition fees help cover the costs of the Youth Orchestras program including music purchase and rental, facilities rental, and conductor salaries.

Rehearsal and Concert Schedule

Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings.

Symphonette: 5:45 – 6:45 PM
White Concert Hall Stage

Chamber Orchestra: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Garvey, GC134

Youth Symphony: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
White Concert Hall Stage

Fall Rehearsal Dates: 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8

Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, November 13, at White Concert Hall – time TBD

Concert: Sunday, November 13, 3:00 PM, at White Concert Hall on Washburn University’s campus. 1700 SW Jewell Ave, Topeka 66621.
Wrap-up rehearsal 11/15 

Spring Rehearsal Dates: 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11

Dress Rehearsal: TBD

Concert: Sunday, April 16, 2023, 3:00 PM, at White Concert Hall, Washburn University
Wrap-up rehearsal 4/18

**Students may not miss more than 2 rehearsals per concert cycle**