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
(Updated May 2024)
DURANGO:
Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm
Escalante Middle School
NEW FARMINGTON!
Thursdays 6:30-8:30pm
Orchestra Room,
Farmington High School
Tuition: $125/semester
Junior Orchestra
(Updated May 2024)
DURANGO:
Tuesdays 5:30-7:00pm
Escalante Middle School
Sam Post, Conductor
FARMINGTON:
Thursdays 5:30-7:00pm
Band Room,
Farmington High School
Chris Argotsinger, Conductor
Tuition: $125/semester
New Member Audition Information
Auditions are scheduled in person or by video submission.
Click here to sign up for in-person auditions on May 22-23.
Videos for new members are due by August 16th, 2024.
(Refer to the Video Instructions when preparing videos.)
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
Still Have Questions? Contact Us!
Molly Jensen
SJS Youth Orchestra Music Director
[email protected]
[email protected]
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 - San Juan Symphony molly jensen headshot](https://sanjuansymphony.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Molly-Jensen.jpg)
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 - San Juan Symphony](https://sanjuansymphony.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/headshot-flute-bw.png)
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.