The Olathe Youth Symphony Association, founded in 1992, provides an extraordinary musical experience for young musicians by providing opportunities to study and perform contemporary and classical music repertoire. The OYSA is made up of two full orchestras involving nearly 200 students, 6th grade through high school, from southern Johnson County and the Kansas City metro area.
OAYS Concert Info Ltr December 4 2011.docx
OUR MISSION
We believe that every young person with outstanding ability and a willingness to work hard should be given the opportunity to develop their musical skills through the performance of quality orchestral literature. The purpose of the OYSA is to foster, in cooperation with public and private schools, advanced level musical opportunities for talented young musicians in the southern Johnson County and metropolitan Kansas City area.
Dedicated to the musical education and growth of our young musicians, we provide performance opportunities, motivational workshops, small group instruction, mentoring, and quality social interaction. Our season runs from September to May with two to three major performances.
A BRIEF HISTORY
In the spring of 1992, the Olathe School District Orchestra staff developed a master plan to help strengthen and enhance musical experiences for students. The formation of a youth symphony within the Olathe community was the highest priority within this master plan.
Soon after, Bob Peter organized the business aspects, while Randy Detrick and Greg Ferguson set musical standards and established performance-related guidelines. Mary Jo Peter would soon fill the position as Executive Director, running the day-to-day operations of the organization for the next 12 years.
During the first four years, the youth symphony consisted of one group of approximately 75 members. Randy Detrick and Greg Ferguson shared conducting and rehearsal duties. During the fifth year, a second group was formed to meet the needs of younger musicians.
Today, the Olathe Youth Symphony Association consists of two full-sized symphonic orchestras and four directors. The Philharmonic Orchestra consists of students in grades six through nine. The Symphony Orchestra consists of students in grades nine through twelve. Both groups practice for one two-hour session per week and perform two to three times per concert season, which runs from September to April. Each group consists of more than 80 members.
PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (Grades 6-9)
This group offers intermediate-level full orchestra experience. Rehearsals are held on Mondays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Olathe South High School in the Orchestra room.
Directors
Danny Kaul
Rachele Jones
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (Grades 9-12)
This group offers an advanced-level full orchestra experience. Younger students with significant playing experience may also audition for this group. Rehearsals are held on Mondays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Olathe South High School in the Band room.
William Detrick
Gregory Ferguson
William R. Detrick - Symphony Orchestra
William Detrick holds both a Bachelor and Master of Music Education degree from Kansas State University. He has spent twenty-three of the last twenty-seven years as a music educator with the Olathe Public Schools. Mr. Detrick is currently Orchestra Program Facilitator for the Olathe School District and is a founding director of the Olathe Youth Symphony Association. He is also a member of the Olathe Public Arts Comission which works to support both the visual and performing arts in the Olathe community. William Detrick holds memberships in the Music Educators National Conference, Kansas Music Educators Association and the International Association of Jazz Educators. Mr. Detrick has served as an adjudicator and clinician throughout the Midwest.
Gregory Ferguson - Symphony Orchestra
Gregory Ferguson holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music, and a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Baker University School of Professional and Graduate Studies. He began his career with the Olathe Public Schools in 1985 and has been the Director of Orchestras at Olathe South High School since 1987. Under Mr. Ferguson’s direction the Olathe South High School Orchestra has consistently received first division ratings at State Music Festivals. The Olathe South Orchestra has toured Southern California, Texas, Florida, Chicago and most recently Boston. Mr. Ferguson is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the American String Teachers Association, and the Kansas Music Educators Association. He is a founding director of the Olathe Youth Symphony Association.
Danny Kaul - Philharmonic Orchestra
Danny Kaul holds a Bachelor's of Music Education degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota and has been the director of the Philharmonic Orchestra for the past 2 years. He currently teaches band and orchestra in the Olathe School District. In addition to his teaching, he has performed as Principal Bassist of the Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony, been the guest conductor for the Southeast South Dakota Area Band Festival, and played for numerous musical theater productions throughout the Midwest. Mr. Kaul is a member of the International Society of Bassists.
Rachele Jones - Philharmonic Orchestra
Rachele Jones is in her fifth year teaching orchestra in Kansas, serving as the Director of Orchestras at Olathe North High School since 2008. Prior to teaching in Olathe, she began her teaching career in Lindsborg, KS as the strings director for grades 4-12. Mrs. Jones graduated from Washburn University where she served as concert master for two years and as a member of the Honors Fetter Quartet for four years. In addition to teaching, she enjoys performing as a violinist and has been a member of the Topeka Symphony, the Bethany Community Orchestra, and the Lee’s Summit Symphony. She also has been featured as a soloist with both the Washburn Orchestra and the Bethany Community Orchestra. Mrs. Jones lives with her husband, Brad, in Shawnee, KS.
More Staff on Next Page
Administrative Staff
Kristin Detrick-- Webmaster/Technical Support
Terri Detrick-- Financials/Bookkeeper
Susan Ferguson-- Programs
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
Alison Banikowski-- President
Martha Gabel-- Vice President/Secretary
Tom Davies-- Treasurer
Ex Officio Members
Randy Detrick
Terri Detrick
Greg Ferguson
Board Members
Mary Bayne
Phil Clark
Penny Eschliman
Brian Jackson
Lisa Jackson
Chris Kusek
Justin Love
Amy Martin
Earl Martin
Texanna Ollenberger
Ken Roberts
Ralph Weber
Return to Directors
2011-2012 CONCERT SEASON
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Olathe South Auditorium
3:00 PM
Sunday, April 15, 2012
All OYSA concerts are free and open to the public (unless otherwise noted). Concerts will be held at Olathe South High School, located at 151st and Ridgeview in Olathe, KS. The address is located below.
Olathe South High School
1640 E. 151st Street
Olathe, KS 66062
CALENDAR
MEMBERSHIP HANDBOOK
AUDITIONS
Additional Forms
OTHER
OYSA Calendar 2011-2012.pdf
OYSA Member Contract 2011-12.pdf
OYSA Audition Requirements 2011-12.pdf
OAYS 2011 Application form_NEW!!!.pdf
OYSA Classroom Teacher Recommendation form.pdf
OYSA Music Director Recommendation Form.pdf
What are the requirements for membership in the OYSA?
Every student must audition each year regardless of previous Youth Symphony participation. Auditions take place each spring in early May. Placement is competitive and based on your audition score and teacher recommendations. Students will be judged on tone, intonation, rhythm, technique, musical interpretation and scale proficiency. Each Youth Symphony member must participate in his/her school ensemble on the instrument he/she plays in the Youth Symphony. If a student cannot participate in their school ensemble they must provide a signed release from the band/orchestra director of their school stating the reason for the waiver. The final decision will be at the discretion of the OYSA Board of Directors. If a school music program is not available where the student attends, the student must be enrolled in weekly private lessons with a well-qualified instructor.
Auditions are held in May for the upcoming concert season. Each concert season runs from September through April.
Auditions for the 2011-12 season will be May 10-12, 2011.
How do I audition?
1. Complete and mail in an audition application along with a $5.00 audition fee.
2. Submit two required recommendation forms. One form must be completed by your band or orchestra director, the other by a classroom teacher. (Both forms are located on the DOWNLOADS page.)
3. Prepare carefully for the audition. Scales are to be performed slowly, in-tune and with mature tone. Ask your school or private music teacher about the appropriateness of your prepared piece.
4. Upon receipt of your application an audition date and time will be sent to you via the U.S. Mail.
**ALL AUDITION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE
ON THE DOWNLOADS PAGE! Click the
link to take you to necessary forms.
AUDITION DOWNLOADS
OlatheYouthSymphony_gmail.com
The Olathe Youth Symphony Association is always looking for talented young players who are interested in the programs we provide. If you wish to schedule an audition, or if you just want more information, we invite you to contact us through email!
Olathe Youth Symphony Association
P.O. Box 4438
Olathe, KS 66063
WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO OYSA...
Volunteer
We are always grateful for parent help throughout the year. Areas in which parent help are critical are stage set-up and take-down, and stage decoration. If you are interested in participating in one of these areas please contact a director or OYSA staff by emailing olatheyouthsymphony_gmail.com .
Make a Donation
The Olathe Youth Symphony Association, a non-profit organization, relies on the support of private donors, foundations, and grants to provide meaningful music education opportunities for the youth of southern Johnson County and the metro area. Earned income from tuition covers only a small portion of the OYSA’s annual costs. Please consider a tax-deductable donation to benefit these fine, young musicians! Donations can be mailed to:
Our Sponsors Include:
Holly's Photography
Olathe Arts Alliance
Special Thanks to These Contributors of Goods and Services:
Olathe School District USD #233
Home
About Us
Ensembles
Staff
Concerts
Downloads
Auditions
Contact Us
Support
Photos
