THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN AUDITIONING FOR OYS!

A full orchestra is a musical ensemble that includes instruments from all four common instrument families: string, woodwind, brass and percussion. The Olathe Youth Symphony is made up of two full orchestras (Philharmonic and Symphony).

Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings, 6-8pm, from September to mid-April, except for certain holidays. They are held at our host district Olathe South High School, 1640 E. 151st St. Olathe, Kansas.

There are 2 concerts each session, one in early December and one in early April.  Concerts are typically held at Olathe South High School, 1640 E. 151st Street Olathe, KS 66062.

No. Olathe Youth Symphony believes it is important for all of its members to participate in their school music programs, if available, and expects such participation except in cases of unavoidable scheduling conflict. Participation in a school music group not only helps advocate for fine arts education, is important for the development of ensemble and leadership skills which can in turn strengthen the OYS ensembles. OYS ensembles are meant to complement other music instruction and thus enhance musical development; they are not intended to be a replacement for school or private instruction.

No. Private study is not required in order to participate, but it is strongly encouraged. Statistically, students who study privately are more successful performing the challenging music required by OYS members.

The OYS participation fee is $250 for the entire fall and spring season for Philharmonic and Symphony members. If an Early Bird payment is received by June 1, 2026, the total amount will be reduced by $15 to $235. Families with multiple memberswill pay a $230 participation fee per student. Support for students in need is available to ensure that no qualified student is turned away from OYS participation due to their inability to pay tuition. See FAQ section "Is Financial Assistance Available?" for the Request for Participation Fee Assistance process. 

In addition to the Participation Fee outlined above ["What is the financial commitment'], members also purchase their own concert uniform. Replacement cost of lost music may apply.  While not required, parent/family support for stage set-up and tear down, stage decorating crew, music library maintenance, and other tasks is not only greatly appreciated but critical to the success of our organization.

Every effort is made to keep OYS tuition accessible. Only a fraction of actual program costs are covered by participation fees, with costs subsidized by donors and grant funding. Limited financial assistance funds are also available to ensure that no qualified student is turned away from OYS participation due to the inability to pay the participation fee. To be considered for OYS participation fee assistance or to arrange a payment plan, requests should be submitted as early as possible since funds are limited. Please ensure ample time is allowed for processing participation fee assistance requests. Please complete the REQUEST FOR PARTICIPATION FEE ASSISTANCE online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6inBldkzktAg4uWbba5iIDQDIJtoitJctCQHlspDZFapQNA/viewform?usp=header