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
Nicolas Carr, Interim Conductor

 

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Ryan Masotto, Conductor

 

SYMPHONETTE
Carolyn Sandquist, Conductor

Topeka Youth Orchestras

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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: Nicolas Carr, interim 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.

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Rehearsals

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

Concert Schedule

Fall 2023 Rehearsal Dates: 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, (10/31 – NO REHEARSAL), 11/7, 11/14, 11/19
Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, Nov. 19, at White Concert Hall – time TBA
Concert: Sunday, Nov. 19, 3:00 PM, at White Concert Hall, Washburn University, 1700 SW Jewell Ave, Topeka 66621.
Wrap-up Rehearsal: TBA

Spring 2024 Rehearsal Dates: 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/5, (3/12 – NO REHEARSAL), 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/7
Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, Apr. 7, at White Concert Hall – time TBA
Concert: Sunday, Apr. 7, 3:00 PM, at White Concert Hall, Washburn University, 1700 SW Jewell Ave, Topeka 66621.
Wrap-up Rehearsal: TBA

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

Tuition

Due before the rehearsal on Sept. 5, 2023.

Symphonette: $90/yr or $50/semester
Chamber Orchestra: $105/yr or $60/semester
Youth Symphony: $120/yr or $70/semester

After the audition and acceptance into one of the youth orchestras, use the link below to pay tuition.

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

Download the Youth Orchestra’s Handbook