The Youth Symphony of Kansas City

The Youth Symphony of Kansas City was founded as “The Youth Symphony of the Heart of America” by conductor Leo Scheer in 1958. The organization initially consisted of one orchestra of 80 musicians. Incorporated on July 31, 1958, the organization has endured a long and interesting history as the musical home to young musicians in Kansas City. The first concert was held on September 6, 1958 at which time Mayor H. Roe Bartle proclaimed the week as “Youth Symphony Week”. In 1959, Conductor Scheer resigned and was replaced by Richard Cormier, a member of the then-Kansas City Philharmonic (now Kansas City Symphony) and faculty member at Park College (now University). In 1964, the organization added a younger orchestra the “Junior Youth Symphony” due to increased demand. The Youth Symphony toured Chicago, Washington D.C. and New York, performing at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.In 1961, Conductor Cormier resigned and was replaced by Jack Herriman, associate conductor of the Kansas City Philharmonic. In the same year, the organization changed its name to “Youth Symphony of Kansas City and also joined the American Symphony Orchestra League – now known as the League of American Orchestras. The Symphony also recorded a concert for New York radio station WNYC. In 1978, Conductor Herriman resigned and was replaced by Michael Krajewski. Conductor Krajewski served until 1983, at which point Conductor Glenn Block was hired. Concert Poster, 1966 Concert Poster, 1966 In 1990, the Youth Symphony began a long association with the American Royal – performing live for its Concert of Champions. Also in 1990, the Youth Symphony toured to Chicago to participate in the Midwest Band and Orchestra Convention. Charter Musicians, 1958 Charter Musicians, 1958