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 2022-2023 season.

Auditions are Saturday, August 27, and Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Please register for auditions using the link below

Audition Registration link

Audition Requirements

Youth Symphony

Audition Music Skills: Be able to play: A) the audition excerpts that can be found at the link listed below; B) a three-octave scale of your choice, C) a short excerpt of a work demonstrating your current performance level, and D) sight reading (given at the audition)
Youth Symphony Audition Music

Chamber Orchestra

Audition Music Skills: Be able to play: A) the audition excerpts and scales that can be found at the link listed below; B) a short (no more than 2 minutes) excerpt of a work demonstrating your current performance level; and C) sight reading (given at the audition)
Chamber Orchestra Audition Music

Symphonette

Tuition

Due before the first rehearsal on September 6, 2022

Symphonette: $85
Chamber Orchestra: $100
Youth Symphony: $115

Students will pay online after their audition and acceptance into one of the youth orchestras

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.

Topeka Youth Symphony: 6:45 – 8:45pm
White Concert Hall Stage

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

Symphonette: 5:30 – 6:30pm
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

Save the date: Saturday, Sept 10, 10 am – 7 PM for Youth Orchestras Retreat

Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, November 13, at White Concert Hall – time TBD
Concert: Sunday, November 13, 3:00 p.m., at White Concert Hall on Washburn University’s campus. 1700 SW Jewell Ave, Topeka 66621.
Wrap up rehearsal 11/15

Spring Rehearsal Dates: 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/21, 3/28
Dress Rehearsal: TBD
Concert: Sunday, April 2, 2023 Location TBD

YOUTH SYMPHONY Dr. Silas Huff, Conductor

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Ryan Masotto, Conductor

SYMPHONETTE Carolyn Sandquist, Conductor