The Missouri Symphony Conservatory is the branch of MOSY whose goal is to educate and inspire young musicians through performance opportunities to become lifelong music advocates. The Conservatory program provides instrumental students of mid-Missouri with unique opportunities to hone their skills as developing musicians. The Conservatory offers several orchestral ensembles which allow students to explore according to their own musical progression and interests. Programs for a wide range of ages and performance levels nurture each student’s innate artistic expression, leading to the personal rewards that come from accomplishment.

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Wind Ensemble (woodwind, brass, and percussion) rehearses separately from the string orchestras this semester to comply with social distancing protocols. Repertoire includes small wind ensemble music as well as the orchestral wind parts for the pieces the string players are rehearsing, in the hopes that we can eventually put all the groups back together again for our final concert.

Concertino Strings is for our younger string players in their first years of large ensemble, who work in a small group of 8-16 players performing string ensemble music. Students also learn the basics of orchestral practice, such as who turns the pages, how to mark bowings, and some basic sight-reading skills.

Junior Sinfonia is made up of about 25 intermediate string students who perform both classical and contemporary pieces. Students continue to learn and apply fundamentals of performing in an large ensemble setting.

Young Artists Philharmonic (YAP) introduces the intermediate to advanced instrumentalist to the small orchestra experience, performing works by the masters as well as contemporary music. YAP will also rehearse some full orchestra literature, in the hope of joining together with the wind players when it is safe and appropriate.

Chamber Players (up to 25 players) perform a range of classic to modern string orchestra literature. Chamber Players also prepare much of the same orchestral literature as YAP and the Wind Ensemble in preparation for such a time that we are able to join together again

Students enrolled in the Missouri Symphony Conservatory are expected to participate in their school’s applicable music program, if one exists. For instance: a violist enrolled in the Conservatory is expected to participate in their school’s orchestra program, and a clarinetist enrolled in the Conservatory is expected to participate in their school’s band program. All students are expected to provide proof of their participation in their school’s music program.

In the event that a student’s course schedule prohibits their participation, students will consult with their school music director and the MOSY Director of Education and Outreach to explore other available solutions. AFTER consulting with the directors, students should fill out the official appeal form. Visit our Conservatory FAQ page to learn more about the rationale behind this new requirement.