Welcome to the LAwrence Youth Orchestra
The Lawrence Youth Orchestra is the premiere of ensemble of the Lawrence Youth Orchestra Program. Members include winds, brass, percussion, and string instrumentalists, grades 9-12. Students younger than grade 9 may be admitted, provided they can perform at the appropriate level as determined by audition.
Director: Dr. Emily Rossin, Associate Professor of Practice, Music Education, University of Kansas
Rehearsals: Lawrence High School Orchestra Room | 1901 Louisiana Dr., Lawrence | Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Rehearsal Schedule: Click here
Membership:
Membership of the Lawrence Youth Symphony program is open by audition to all musicians from high school band and string programs in the Lawrence Public School System and surrounding areas.
Members are required to participate in band, string orchestral, or choral ensemble at the schools where they are currently enrolled. Members not able to participate in the music program at their school for reasons beyond their control will be required to submit a written waiver signed by their school’s music teachers at the school to participate in the LYS program.
Tuition:
The LYS is tuition free due to the gracious support of the University of Kansas School of Music.
Admission Auditions:
Winds, Brass, Percussion, and string players wishing to participate in LYS must present an audition.
Woodwinds/Brass:
**For those who are not able to make our audition days please plan on your student auditioning for a staff member on the first day of rehearsal.
Rules:
What to Bring to Rehearsal:
Music: Music folders, including parts for all upcoming performance repertoire, will be distributed at the first rehearsal of each concert cycle. Each member will be given their own copies of the music and is responsible for keeping and caring for them until they are collected after the performance.
Withdrawal from Program: Should you decide to withdraw your student from the LYS for any reason, please notify the Director. No rationale is required. We just want to know your student is safe.
Director: Dr. Emily Rossin, Associate Professor of Practice, Music Education, University of Kansas
Rehearsals: Lawrence High School Orchestra Room | 1901 Louisiana Dr., Lawrence | Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Rehearsal Schedule: Click here
Membership:
Membership of the Lawrence Youth Symphony program is open by audition to all musicians from high school band and string programs in the Lawrence Public School System and surrounding areas.
Members are required to participate in band, string orchestral, or choral ensemble at the schools where they are currently enrolled. Members not able to participate in the music program at their school for reasons beyond their control will be required to submit a written waiver signed by their school’s music teachers at the school to participate in the LYS program.
Tuition:
The LYS is tuition free due to the gracious support of the University of Kansas School of Music.
Admission Auditions:
Winds, Brass, Percussion, and string players wishing to participate in LYS must present an audition.
Woodwinds/Brass:
- A short 1-2 minute solo
- 2 scales of your choice (the more octaves the better)
- A short 1-2 minute solo to showcase your skills. The solo can be on any percussion instrument of your choosing.
- A short 1-2 minute solo
- Two 2- or 3-octave scales
- One must be a major scale with 2 or more sharps or flats.
- One must be a minor scale
**For those who are not able to make our audition days please plan on your student auditioning for a staff member on the first day of rehearsal.
Rules:
- Attend all rehearsals and performances. If you know of any conflicts with the above dates, please contact the director ahead of time to notify them of your absence. Members are allowed two excused absences per semester. Any absences beyond these two will require a make-up form to be submitted.
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before rehearsal to warm up.
- Come to rehearsals having prepared your music.
- Students are expected to behave respectfully and politely toward one another, director(s), volunteers, and school staff at rehearsals, performances, and other orchestra activities.
- No gum, food, or drink (other than capped bottles of water) is allowed in rehearsal halls, sectional rooms or performance venues.
- Remain in the rehearsal room during rehearsals. Students may use the restrooms, however making phone calls, checking email, or social media is strictly prohibited unless in case of extreme emergencies.
- No alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substance is permitted at any time.
- All students must be picked up no later than 8:15 pm.
What to Bring to Rehearsal:
- Instrument
- Music folder with all parts
- Accessories (mute, bow, mouthpiece, rosin, reeds, valve oil, strings, rock stop, etc.)
- Pencil with functioning eraser
- Water
Music: Music folders, including parts for all upcoming performance repertoire, will be distributed at the first rehearsal of each concert cycle. Each member will be given their own copies of the music and is responsible for keeping and caring for them until they are collected after the performance.
Withdrawal from Program: Should you decide to withdraw your student from the LYS for any reason, please notify the Director. No rationale is required. We just want to know your student is safe.