Youth Orchestras

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The Owensboro Symphony, through its sponsorship of the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra program, provides specialized training to more than 100 talented young musicians each year. The Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra program dedicates itself to building on the success of school programs by offering outstanding students music that continues to challenge them in their growth. Many students exiting the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra have been offered college music scholarships and continue performing beyond high school graduation.

The program consists of two performing ensembles: the Youth Orchestra, a full orchestra experience, and a String Orchestra. Participants represent every local and many regional high school and middle school bands and orchestras. The Youth Orchestra welcomes adults and college students who wish to continue their careers as instrumentalists at a very high level.

Rehearsals / Attendance

The String Orchestra rehearses from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. every Monday when school is in session. The Youth Orchestra rehearses from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. on the same calendar. During September and October, wind and percussion players do not join the full orchestra rehearsal until 7:00 p.m. to accommodate school marching band schedules.

Students are expected to attend every rehearsal. Unexcused absences will affect membership in the Youth Orchestra. School ensembles always take precedence in attendance. Communication is essential to ensure a quality experience for every member. Members are encouraged to communicate with their directors regarding questions and issues regarding attendance.

Contact Information

• Youth Orchestra Director, Mark Hatlestad
• String Orchestra Director, Adrienne Vallandingham
• Youth Orchestra Coordinator, Greg Olson

The directors are not available for phone calls during the day. Please use text or email only.

Tuition

Annual tuition for the String Orchestra is $150. Tuition for the Youth Orchestra is $225. Need-based scholarships are available on a limited basis. Forms for scholarships need to be submitted by mid-September for each year in the youth orchestras.

Parent Involvement / Meetings

Communication with parents is extremely important to the success of the Youth Orchestra program. Parents meet from 5:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. each month. Email reminders will be sent to parents the week before the meeting.

For additional information regarding the Youth Orchestra, policies, or scholarships, contact the Youth Orchestra Coordinator, Greg Olson.