A full orchestra is a musical ensemble that includes instruments from all four common instrument familes: string, woodwind, brass and percussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nearly all rehearsals take place at the Loretto Building, 1111 West 39th Street, Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday afternoons from September 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 2024-2025, the YSKC base tuition is $850 per musician, though families have the opportunity to select a different level of tuition on a tiered system. Regardless of which tier is selected, every musician receives the exact same YSKC experience.
In addition to tuition, a $40 annual registration fee is required at the time of registration. Learn more about tiered tuition on the Tuition and Fees page.
Yes! Youth Symphony of Kansas City is committed to assisting students whose families demonstrate qualified financial need. Between $20,000 – 30,000 is made available annually in tuition assistance. Once the audition process is complete, a Financial Aid application form is available to all students offered a position in one of the orchestras. All applications are held in the strictest of confidence. No merit-based scholarships are available at this time.
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 beginning 5th grade through 12th grade. College students are not eligible.
All students – regardless of previous program participation – are 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. Because we offer a comprehensive program at varying ability levels, most musicians who participate in the program enjoy a rigorous and enjoyable orchestral experience.
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 may also be a factor. Previous participation in Youth Symphony of Kansas City does not guarantee ensemble placement. All students – regardless of previous program participation – are required to audition each year. 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!