The Wichita Symphony’s youth orchestra program recently wrapped up the fall semester with a concert in downtown Wichita.
More than 200 student musicians from South Central Kansas, ranging in from ages 10 to 18, make up the three orchestras that performed.
This youth orchestra program is the largest of its kind in Kansas and has been inspiring young musicians for 67 years.
KMUW’s Deborah Shaar introduces us to the woman who’s been leading the charge for more than two decades.
The Symphony maintains three active youth orchestras:
- Youth Chamber Players - string students from fourth to tenth grade.
- Repertory Orchestra - comprised of students in grades seven through twelve.
- Youth Symphony - comprised of students in grades seven through twelve.
All three orchestras are conducted by respected professionals in the music education community, and each section of instruments also receives instruction from section coaches during rehearsal.
The youth orchestras will present a spring concert on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 3:00 p.m at the Century II Concert Hall in downtown Wichita. Auditions are generally held in early May.