KASTA Statewide Middle-Level Orchestra
The KASTA Statewide Middle-Level Orchestra is an annual orchestral event for 7th and 8th grade string players. The event is held in Hutchinson, Kansas.
The SMLO is not an "Honor Orchestra" in the purest sense of the word, but is intended as a "mountain top experience" for fine middle school string players, who can, in turn, return to their schools and inspire their fellow students.
Registration for 2024 is open!
State Middle-Level Orchestra 2024 Information
Date
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Place
Hutchinson Middle School 8th Grade Attendance Center (Liberty), 14th and Adams, Hutchinson, KS
Schedule
8:00-8:30 AM, Registration
8:30-10:00 AM, Rehearsal #1
10:00-10:15 AM, Break
10:15-11:30 AM, Rehearsal #2
11:30 AM-1:00 PM, Lunch
1:00-2:20 PM, Rehearsal #3
3:00 PM, Concert
There will be approximately 84 players in the orchestra: 22 first violins, 22 second violins, 16 violas, 14 cellos, and 10 basses.
Selection is based on the teacher recommendation and the review of the "paper audition" forms by the player selection committee. Participation is reserved for 7th and 8th graders.
2024 Clinician
Dr. Rachel Dirks, Kansas State University
String Orchestra Selections
Selections from Don Quixote Suite, by Telemann (arranged by Meyer)
(Alfred Highland Etling, Grade 3, $55)
And So It Goes, by Billy Joel (arranged by Moore)
(Hal Leonard, ME, $45)
Full Orchestra Selection
The Great Locomotive Chase (Full Orchestra), by Robert Smith
(Alfred, Grade 3.5, $73)
This piece is a bit of a challenge for Violin 1. Dr. Dirks would be happy to adapt as needed.
Please email mharbaugh54@gmail.com if you’d like an adapted Violin 1 part.