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 Orchestra
Molly Jensen, Music Director
DURANGO:
Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm
Fort Lewis College- Jones Hall
NEW FARMINGTON:
Thursdays 6:30-8:30pm
Farmington High School
Tuition: $125/semester
Junior Orchestra
DURANGO:
Tuesdays 5:30-7:00pm
Fort Lewis College- Jones Hall
Sam Post, Conductor
FARMINGTON:
Thursdays 5:30-7:00pm
Farmington High School
Chris Argotsinger, Conductor
Tuition: $125/semester
New Member Audition Information
Auditions may be scheduled in person or by video submission throughout the year.
Email: [email protected]
Please prepare the following audition materials:
- Two (2) major scales of student’s choice
- Scales played slowly in single quarter notes at metronome marking = 72
- String players to play 3 octaves, if possible
- Solo, etude or excerpts of the student’s choice, showing a variety of your playing abilities (limit solo to 2-3 minutes). Strings should demonstrate ability to perform in multiple positions.
Junior Orchestra Strings, Woodwinds and Brass
- One (1) major scale of student’s choice
- Scale played slowly in single quarter notes at metronome marking = 72
- String players to play 2 octaves, if possible
- Solo, etude or excerpts of the student’s choice, showing a variety of your playing abilities (limit solo to 2-3 minutes).
All Percussion
- Solo, etude or excerpts of the student’s choice on snare and mallet (keyboard) instrument, showing a variety of your playing abilities (limit solos to 2-3 minutes total).
- If no mallet instrument is available, leave out the mallet solo
- Snare roll from pp < ff > pp (very soft to very loud to very soft)
- Optional: hand cymbals crash, triangle strike, and/or snare rudiments of your choice
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, Music 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.
Sam Post, Conductor
SJS Junior Orchestra, Durango
Sam is a dedicated educator with a record of leadership, innovation and student success. For the last six years, Ms. Post has been living, teaching, and making music in Durango. Outside of her work in public education, Ms. Post maintains an active role in the community. She is a passionate advocate for wellness as an aerial circus artist and fitness enthusiast. Colleagues and students alike appreciate her motivational spirit and dedication to personal growth.
Ms. Post started, and still teaches, at Miller Middle School, where they have helped shape the musical talents and passions of countless young people. Under their guidance, Miller’s band program has flourished, nurturing students’ creativity and instilling a lifelong appreciation for the arts. This past year, Ms. Post has led the program to steadily increasing numbers after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in July 2023.
With her accomplished record of molding young minds and uplifting those around her, Ms. Sam brings out the best in her students and herself through serious dedication and passion for music education.
Chris Argotsinger, Conductor
SJS Junior Orchestra, Farmington
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.
