Aug. 17, 2009

Leo Kucinski Academy of Music to hold registration night

and Youth Orchestra auditions

The Leo Kucinski Academy of Music at Morningside College will hold a registration event on Sept. 3 and Youth Orchestra auditions on Sept. 10 and 12.

The registration event for group and private lessons, Youth Orchestras, the Early String Program and the Catholic Schools String Program will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 3 in the lobby of Eppley Auditorium, 3625 Garretson Ave. The Youth Orchestra auditions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10 and from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 12 in Room 223 of the MacCollin Classroom Building, 3625 Garretson Ave.

Musicians will be auditioning for placement in Siouxland Symphonette, Siouxland Philharmonia or Siouxland Youth Symphony. Those interested in scheduling a 10-minute audition slot may contact Suzy Turnquist, office manager for the Leo Kucinski Academy of Music, at 712-274-5357 or turnquist@morningside.edu.

Siouxland Symphonette is an elementary level string ensemble designed for students who have learned the fundamentals of playing violin, viola, cello or string bass, and who have basic knowledge of music reading. The ensemble is conducted by Jungho Kim, associate conductor for the Sioux City Symphony.

Siouxland Philharmonia is an ensemble open to string, wind and percussion players at an intermediate level of development. Repertoire includes examples from both the classical and semi-popular traditions. Siouxland Philharmonia is conducted by Dr. Dan Auerbach, violin professor at Morningside College and assistant concertmaster of the Sioux City Symphony.

Siouxland Youth Symphony plays standard orchestral repertoire. Its members learn about professional standards of playing and orchestra protocol. Members are generally advanced high school and college musicians. The orchestra is conducted by Joseph Shufro, associate professor of music at Morningside College and principal cellist for the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra.

More detailed information on audition requirements is available on the academy’s Web site: kucinskiacademy.com. All of the ensembles practice on Monday evenings in the MacCollin Classroom Building. They present two concerts each year at Morningside College in Eppley Auditorium.