OYS ENSEMBLES
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
The Symphony Orchestra is open to advanced-level string, woodwind, brass and percussion, typically between the ages of 14 and 18. Younger musicians who perform at an advanced level may also audition for this group but only with prior permission from the OYS Directors.
The Symphony rehearses weekly on Mondays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
The Philharmonic Orchestra is open to intermediate string, woodwind, brass, and percussion, typically between the ages of 11 and 14. Musicians seeking membership in this group for the first time are generally entering their 3rd year of school band or orchestra (7th grade) or have completed at least 2 years of private lessons.
The Philharmonic rehearses weekly on Mondays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Meet the Directors
GREGORY L. FERGUSON
Symphony Orchestra Co-Director; Founding Director
Greg Ferguson holds a Bachelors of Music Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and a Master of Liberal Arts from Baker University School of Professional and Graduate Studies. He began his career with the Olathe Public Schools in 1985 and has been the Director of Orchestras at Olathe South High School since 1987. Under Mr. Ferguson’s direction the Olathe South High School Orchestra has received consistent first division ratings at State Music Festival for several years. The Orchestra has toured Southern California, Texas, Florida, Boston, Dallas, and most recently Chicago. Mr. Ferguson is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the American String Teachers Association, and the Kansas Music Educators Association.
DR. MICHAEL HANF
Symphony Orchestra Co-Director
Michael Hanf holds a Bachelors of Music Education from Evangel University, a Masters in Violin Performance from the University of Arkansas, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from Liberty University. Dr. Hanf began teaching strings in 2005 and has taught in Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas. He has been the Director of Orchestras at Olathe East High School since 2016. Dr. Hanf also serves as the Olathe East Performing Arts Department Chair, Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter advisor, and as a Co-Facilitator for the Olathe Schools Orchestra Program. Dr. Hanf has led the Olathe East orchestras to perform at Carnegie Hall, KMEA In-Service Workshop, Universal Studios in Florida, and recently performed in Disneyland. Dr. Hanf is a member of the National Association for Music Education, American String Teacher’s Association, and the Kansas Music Educators Association.
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DANNY KAUL
Philharmonic Orchestra Co-Director
Danny Kaul holds Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota and currently teaches orchestra and band in the Olathe Public Schools. He has performed as Principal Bassist of the Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony and has played for numerous musical theater productions throughout the Midwest. In addition to his performing, he was also the guest conductor for the Southeast South Dakota Area Band Festival. Mr. Kaul is a member of the International Society of Bassists. He currently lives in Olathe with his wife Julie and their twin daughters Alexandra and Megan.
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RACHELE JONES
Philharmonic Orchestra Co-Director
Rachele Jones is currently serving her seventh year as co-director of the Philharmonic Youth Symphony. Her teaching experience includes Director of Orchestras at Olathe North High School from 2008-2012 and Director of Orchestras for grades 4-12 in Lindsborg, Kansas from 2005-2007. Mrs. Jones graduated from Washburn University where she served as concert master for two years and as a member of the Honors Fetter Quartet for four years. In addition to teaching, she enjoys performing as a violinist and has been a member of the Topeka Symphony, the Bethany Community Orchestra, and the Lee’s Summit Symphony. She also has been featured as a soloist with both the Washburn Orchestra and the Bethany Community Orchestra.