San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestras
Returning MemberS
New Member AuditionS
Meet Our Conductors
What We Believe
The Mission of the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestras (SJSYO) is to provide an inspiring orchestral experience for the youth of Durango, Bayfield, Farmington, Aztec, Pagosa Springs, Cortez, and surrounding areas. The SJSYO is the only youth symphony organization in the Four Corners region, and its members receive an exceptional educational experience under the guidance of the region’s finest performers and educators. The two-tiered orchestral system serves woodwind, brass, percussion and string students ranging from grades 5 through College.
About Our Orchestras
SJS Youth Orchestras
Molly Jensen, Director
Christopher Argotsinger, Associate Director
DURANGO:
Tuesdays 6:45-8:45pm
Fort Lewis College- Jones Hall
FARMINGTON:
Thursdays 6:45-8:45pm
Piedra Vista High School
The Youth Orchestra (YO) is an advanced, full symphonic orchestra comprised of 50-70 talented and dedicated string, woodwind, brass and percussion players from across the Four Corners area. Youth Orchestra students have the opportunity to advance and hone their skills while performing a variety of orchestral repertoire, as well as works by contemporary composers.
Tuition: $135/semester
Junior Orchestra
DURANGO:
Tuesdays 5:45-7:00pm
Fort Lewis College- Jones Hall
FARMINGTON:
Thursdays 5:45-7:00pm
Piedra Vista High School
The Junior Orchestra (JO) is an intermediate, full symphonic orchestra which provides exposure to orchestral training for 40-60 string, woodwind, brass and percussion players from across the Four Corners area. The Junior Orchestra performs exciting symphonic literature, while focusing on developing a united symphonic sound and developing more advanced technical skills.
Tuition: $135/semester
New Member Audition Information
Auditions may be scheduled in person or by video submission throughout the year.
Email: molly@sanjuansymphony.org
Audition Requirements for Youth Orchestra
Strings:
- 2- three octave scales (one Major and one melodic or harmonic minor) (**Basses should play 2- two octave scales)
- Solo piece- must best demonstrate the player’s ability level and include at least 1st-5th position work. 1-2 minutes in length.
Winds/Brass/Percussion:
- 2 – Two octave scales
- Solo piece – should best demonstrate the player’s ability level. 1-2 minutes in length.
Audition Requirements for Junior Orchestra
Strings:
- One Scale (2 octaves if possible)
Winds/Brass:
- One scale- 1 octave
Percussion:
- Rudiments: paradiddles, flams, basic roll
- ALL Players: Solo piece- must best demonstrate the player’s ability level. 1 minute in length.
Still Have Questions? Contact Us!
Molly Jensen
SJS Youth Orchestra Music Director
Returning Member Registration
Returning members are not required to re-audition. Please submit the form below to demonstrate your interest in returning for the 2024-2025 season. We look forward to seeing you again!
Meet Our Conductors!
Molly Jensen, Director
San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestras
Ms. Jensen received her bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance and Music Education from Temple University in Philadelphia, where she studied with Helen Kwalwasser. Her Master’s degree in Music Education is from the University of Colorado, Boulder where she studied violin with Lina Bahn and conducting with Gary Lewis. Ms. Jensen is Executive Director of the Apollon Chamber Music Company and Co-director of the Durango Chamber Music Academy. She is also a recipient of the Max Aronoff Award for Excellence in Performing and Teaching and is Editor-in-Chief at MusicalMountainMama.com.
Chris Argotsinger, Associate Director
Christopher Argotsinger is an experienced music educator currently beginning his 19th year in education. During his time in the classroom, he has taught students in grades 6-12 as well as community groups in Farmington, New Mexico. While most of his experience is teaching band, he has also taught orchestra, guitar, and music theory.
A proud native Coloradan, Chris and his four siblings were influenced by their educator parents to participate in music from an early age. Chris began piano lessons at the age of 8 and quickly began playing the trombone, emulating his band director father.
After graduating high school he went on to the University of Northern Colorado where he studied with Dr. Richard Mayne and Dr. Kenneth Singleton in ensembles and conducting classes. This included two years as a Drum Major of the Pride of the Rockies Marching Band. He also studied Trombone with Dr. Nat Wickham, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education in 2006.
Chris went on to teach two years in Colorado Springs before accepting the Director of Bands position at Farmington High School and Tibbetts Middle School in Farmington. In 2016, he completed his Master of Arts in Band Conducting from the American Band College through Sam Houston State University. There he received conducting guidance from many renowned conductors including Dr. Peter Boonshaft, Dr. Anthony Maiello, and Dr. Ray Cramer.
In 2020 Chris stepped away from the classroom and moved into administration as an Assistant Principal at Farmington High School. In 2023 he moved to the Principal position at Tibbetts Middle School, where he is currently employed. Chris plays 2nd Trombone with the San Juan Symphony, loves to fly fish, and enjoys relaxing in Farmington with his wife Laura and dog Lyla.
