Welcome to Sinfonietta
The Sinfonietta String Orchestra is the intermediate-level ensemble of the Lawrence Youth Orchestra Program. Members include string instrumentalists only, grades 7-9. To be admitted, students must have at least one year of experience on a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or double bass). No audition is required. Students younger than grade 7 may be admitted with director approval.
Director: Dr. Jacob M. Dakon, Associate Professor, Music Education, University of Kansas
Rehearsal Time/Location: Lawrence High School Orchestra Room | 1901 Louisiana Dr., Lawrence | Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Rehearsal Schedule: Click here
Membership:
Membership in the Sinfonietta String Orchestra program is open to all musicians from string programs in the Lawrence Public School System and surrounding areas with at least one year of experience on a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or double bass).
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 and SSO are provided tuition free to the Lawrence community due to the gracious support of the University of Kansas School of Music.
Auditions:
String players with at least one year of experience do not need to audition to participate in the Sinfonietta String Orchestra, but should be present for the first 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 or SSO for any reason, please notify the Director at [email protected]. No rationale is required. We just want to know your student is safe.
Director: Dr. Jacob M. Dakon, Associate Professor, Music Education, University of Kansas
Rehearsal Time/Location: Lawrence High School Orchestra Room | 1901 Louisiana Dr., Lawrence | Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Rehearsal Schedule: Click here
Membership:
Membership in the Sinfonietta String Orchestra program is open to all musicians from string programs in the Lawrence Public School System and surrounding areas with at least one year of experience on a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or double bass).
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 and SSO are provided tuition free to the Lawrence community due to the gracious support of the University of Kansas School of Music.
Auditions:
String players with at least one year of experience do not need to audition to participate in the Sinfonietta String Orchestra, but should be present for the first 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, rosin, 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 or SSO for any reason, please notify the Director at [email protected]. No rationale is required. We just want to know your student is safe.