YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Dr. Ramiro Miranda, Conductor
The Topeka Symphony Youth Orchestra 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. Directed by Dr. Ramiro Miranda, the orchestra today consists of student musicians from the Topeka area and across northeast Kansas.

 

DEBUT/PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Carolyn Sandquist, Conductor
The Debut Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra were combined in 2020 to satisfy the needs of a growing number of young stringed instrument players. This ensemble is a string orchestra of violins, violas, cellos, and basses.

Youth Ensembles

For the 2021-2022 Season:

Debut Orchestra and the Youth Philharmonic will continue as one string ensemble.

Youth Orchestra will return to a traditional full orchestra with strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

Auditions will be in person on August 24 and August 31 from 6:00-9:00 PM in Washburn University’s Garvey Fine Arts Center (please check in at the lobby). If you are not available these dates, you can audition over Zoom on August 28. Email the TSO office, tso@topekasymphony.org, if you can’t make the August 24 or 31 audition dates. 

ONCE YOU REGISTER, you will receive an audition time. Please complete the online registration here.

If you are interested in auditioning for the Debut/Philharmonic String Orchestra, audition materials are found here for each string instrument. Contact the conductor, Carolyn Sandquist, sandquist4@cox.net , if you have questions about the audition.

If you are interested in auditioning for the Youth Orchestra, please bring 1 to 2 pieces (contrasting is preferred) and a scale to the audition. Contact the conductor, Ramiro Miranda, rmiranda@emporia.edu, if you have questions about the audition. 

DEBUT/PHILHARMONIC REHEARSAL AND CONCERT SCHEDULE 

2021-2022

Rehearsal Location: Parish Hall at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave

When: Tuesdays from 5:30 – 6:45 PM
Fall Semester: September 7 – November 14
Spring Semester: January 4 – March 8 

CONCERTS:
Sunday, November 14, 3:00 PM White Concert Hall, Washburn University
Sunday, March 6, 3:00 PM, White Concert Hall, Washburn University

YOUTH ORCHESTRA REHEARSAL AND CONCERT SCHEDULE 

2021-2022

Rehearsal Location: White Concert Hall, Washburn University, 1700 Jewell Ave

When: Tuesdays from 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Fall Semester: September 7 – November 14
Spring Semester: January 4 – March 8

CONCERTS:
Sunday, November 14, 3:00 PM White Concert Hall, Washburn University
Sunday, March 6, 3:00 PM, White Concert Hall, Washburn University

Tuition

Due before the first rehearsal on September 7, 2021

Debut/Philharmonic: $80
Youth Orchestra: $100

Pay your yearly tuition here.

Tuition fees help cover the costs of the Youth Ensembles program including music purchase and rental, facilities rental, and conductor salaries. Tuition assistance is available for those families with a need (contact the TSO office for more information, tso@topekasymphony.org, or 785-232-2032)

Download the Youth Ensembles Handbook