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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 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.

The OYS participation fee is $220 per concert season for Philharmonic and Symphony members.

While not required, parent/family support for such things as stage set-up and tear down, stage decorating crew, and music library maintenance is not only greatly appreciated but critical to the success of our organization.

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.

Every effort is made to keep OYS tuition accessible; only a fraction of actual program costs are covered by tuition, as it is subsidized by donor and grant funding. However, limited scholarship funds are also available to ensure that no qualified student is turned away from OYS participation due to inability to pay tuition. In order to be considered for OYS tuition assistance or payment plans, applications should be submitted as early as possible, since funds are limited. Please ensure ample time is allowed for processing and decision.  **Application for consideration can be completed online HERE. Please submit prior to registration for best consideration. 

Add an answer talented musicians in grades 6 through 12 residing within the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area and surrounding region. College students are not eligible. Every student must audition each year regardless of previous OYS participation. Placement is competitive and based on audition score. Students will be judged on tone, intonation, rhythm, technique, musical interpretation and scale proficiency.o this item.

Auditions are completed virtually via video submission each April/May for the following concert season. Instructions for submitting video auditions are provided to applicants during the registration process. Audition results will be emailed the first week of June.

*Late auditions are available on as needed basis. Please email OYS to inquire about possible openings.  www.olatheyouthsymphony@gmail.com

As long as the audition shows a high level of preparation and attention to the appropriateness of their solo, they will be successful. Please ask your school band or orchestra director for help.

$15 per participant.  Audition fees are non-refundable.

The participation fee for both the Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras is $220 per concert season.  Members will also be required to purchase their own concert  uniform.
**Replacement cost of lost music may apply.

Click below to be redirected to the OYS auditions performance requirements section.

*AUDITION PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS*

Click below to be redirected to the OYS auditions registration section.

*REGISTER FOR OYS AUDITIONS*

Audition results will be communicated via email the first week of June. Seating will be determined by the first rehearsal in September.

Every effort is made to keep OYS tuition accessible; only a fraction of actual program costs are covered by tuition, as it is subsidized by donor and grant funding. However, limited scholarship funds are also available to ensure that no qualified student is turned away from OYS participation due to inability to pay tuition. In order to be considered for OYS tuition assistance or payment plans, applications should be submitted as early as possible, since funds are limited. Please ensure ample time is allowed for processing and decision.  **Application for consideration can be completed online HERE.