KASTA
Middle-Level
Honor Orchestra
The KASTA Middle-Level Honor Orchestra is an annual orchestral event for 7th and 8th grade string players. The event is held in Hutchinson, Kansas.
The SMLO is not an "Honor Orchestra" in the purest sense of the word, but is intended as a "mountain top experience" for fine middle school string players, who can, in turn, return to their schools and inspire their fellow students.
Registration for 2025 is open !
Middle-Level Honor Orchestra 2026 Information
Date
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Place
Hutchinson High School PAC / Auditorium located at 810 E. 13th St.
Schedule
8:00-8:30 AM, Registration
8:30-10:00 AM, Rehearsal #1
10:00-10:15 AM, Break
10:15-11:30 AM, Rehearsal #2
11:30 AM-1:00 PM, Lunch on your own
1:00-2:20 PM, Rehearsal #3
3:00 PM, Concert
There will be approximately 84 players in the orchestra: 22 first violins, 22 second violins, 16 violas, 14 cellos, and 10 basses.
Selection is based on the school teacher/studio teacher recommendation and the review of the "paper audition" forms by the player selection committee. Participation is reserved for 7th and 8th graders.
2026 Clinician
Creston Herron, Director of Orchestral Activities, University of Kansas
String Orchestra Selections
Waltz of the Wicked by Kirt Mosier
Sweet New Moon by Yukiko Nishimura
The Night Errant by Alan Lee Silva
Full Orchestra Selection
Engines of Resistance by Larry Clark
Link to bowings will be provided via link by March.