Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, and Percussion.
Symphony Orchestra
Youth Symphony Classes in Kansas City
Our Symphony Orchestra is our most advanced full orchestra.
Prof. Creston Herron, Conductor
The Symphony Orchestra performs standard orchestral repertoire from the Late Romantic period onwards.
Historical performance highlights include international tours to Europe as well as performances at Carnegie Hall. In September 2011, the Symphony Orchestra gave the first free public performance at Helzberg Hall at the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on its opening day. During the 2012-2013 season, the ensemble was selected to perform for the Missouri Music Education Association’s 75th Annual In-Service Workshop/Conference in Osage Beach, MO.
In 2013-2014, Symphony Orchestra performed at the Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop and in December 2014, the orchestra performed at the Midwest Clinic – International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, Ill.
Musicians accepted into Symphony and Classical Orchestra are eligible to also participate in YSKC’s Touring Orchestra.
Historical Touring Orchestra highlights include performances across Ireland in 2016 and in 2018 in Austria as a part of Youth Symphony of Kansas City’s 60th Anniversary Season. In 2023, the Orchestra performed Respighi’s “Pines of Rome” and Stolzel’s “City Beautiful” at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Highlights
Grades 10-12
$1,450.00
Works for Full Symphonic Orchestra from the Late Romantic Period onwards, Recently performed works include Respighi’s “Pines of Rome,” Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony, Brahms’s “Variations on a Theme by Haydn” and Higdon’s “blue cathedral.”
Symphony Orchestra rehearses for 3 hours on Sunday afternoons.
In 2026-2027, rehearsals will take place between the hours of 3-6 p.m.*
*please note that times, locations and durations are subject to change
90
Meet Professor Creston Herron
Creston Herron is an internationally recognized conductor, educator, and artistic leader who currently serves as the Cordelia Brown Murphy Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Kansas and a member of the distinguished faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp. With a growing reputation for artistic excellence and innovative leadership, Herron has emerged as one of the most sought-after conductors and music educators in the United States.
He previously served as Director of Fine Arts for the Klein Independent School District in Texas and as conductor of the Campanile Orchestra at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. In addition, he has served as a cover conductor for the Kansas City Symphony.
From the Musicians
"I have been in this program for 7 years, and each Sunday I look forward to playing amazing pieces with the most advanced student musicians Kansas City has to offer. It is important to have creative inspiration in one’s music career, and YSKC is the perfect motivating source."
Carter Medina
Orchestra:
Symphony Orchestra
Favorite Color:
Pink!
Instrument Played:
Cello
Involvement in YSKC:
2015-2024
Upcoming Performances
Fall Concert: Debut & Classical Orchestras
12345 College Blvd. Overland Park, KS 66210
Nov 01
Sun,
2:00 PM
2026
Fall Concert: Philharmonic & Symphony Orchestras
12345 College Blvd. Overland Park, KS 66210
Nov 01
Sun,
7:00 PM
2026
Winter Concert: Debut & Classical Orchestras
416 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Dec 13
Sun,
2:00 PM
2026
Winter Concert: Philharmonic & Symphony Orchestras
About YSKC
YSKC was founded as The Youth Symphony of the Heart of America by Leo Scheer consisting of an orchestra of 80 musicians, 22 and younger. Incorporated in 1958, YSKC has enjoyed a vibrant history as the musical home to students in Kansas City. Today, the Youth Symphony of Kansas City serves more than 400 musicians in grades 2-12 and is comprised of four full orchestras, a preparatory strings ensemble, multiple ancillary programs, and our YSKC chamber and elective programs. Throughout its 65 years of programming, YSKC has built an alumni class of more than 10,000, completed international tours to Austria, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, and performed at numerous prestigious festivals and conferences nationwide.
