A full orchestra is a musical ensemble that includes instruments from all four common instrument families: string, woodwind, brass, and percussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nearly all rehearsals take place at Shawnee Mission South High School, 5800 W 107th St, Overland Park, KS 66207, on Sunday afternoons from late August through May, except for certain holidays. All dates, times, and locations are subject to change.
Concerts are held at the area’s most prestigious professional venues including Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College. Additional venues include area high schools and community centers.
For 2026-2027, the YSKC tuition is below:
Application Fee: $65.00
Junior School
Debut Orchestra: $995.00
Philharmonic Orchestra: $1,050.00
Senior School
Classical Orchestra: $1,250.00
Symphony Orchestra: $1,450.00
A Registration Fee of $75.00 and 50% of the tuition listed above is due by June 1, 2026.
Yes! Youth Symphony of Kansas City is committed to assisting students whose families demonstrate qualified financial need. Please visit our Tuition Support page.
No. Private study is not required in order to participate, but it is encouraged. Statistically, students who study privately audition more successfully.
Musicians residing within the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area and surrounding region who are entering 2nd grade through 12th grade. College students are not eligible.
All new students to YSKC are required to audition. All continuing students in Symphony Orchestra are also required to audition each year. This enables us to place all students based on ability at the level of orchestra that is right for them. Students in the Debut, Philharmonic, and Classical Orchestras do not need to re-audition each year if they have already participated in YSKC.
Each year a new set of audition materials for each instrument is available for download on the Youth Symphony website.
Students are placed based on intonation, interpretation, tone, rhythm, technique and preparedness as demonstrated in the audition. Grade level and instrumentation needs of each ensemble is also a factor. All ensemble placements are final. Scoring, judges’ notes and/or recommendations are not discussed with students, parents, private teachers and/or school educators.
More questions? Hit us up with an email and say hello!