Sign Up For the 2026 Orchestra Day

A group picture of performers at an orchestra event like the 2025 Orchestra Day

Vance Music invites students to participate in 2026 Orchestra Day! This year’s Orchestra Day will be June 27th, 2026. Current students, whether or not you plan to participate, please fill out the the attendance form (linked below) as soon as possible. ThisĀ event isĀ for all instruments, including piano, guitar, and voice.

At the 2026 Orchestra Day, students will experience rehearsing and performing under a conductor as part of a large-group ensemble. Dr. Mark Laycock, current Director Of Orchestras & Coordinator Of Strings at Wichita State University, will return to conduct the orchestra. Vance Music students and staff members will serve as ensemble members.

Vance Music staff select and arrange all music to match students’ abilities. Unlike the Christmas recital, no rehearsals aside from the actual 2026 Orchestra Day are required. (Students are welcome to coordinate rehearsals on their own for fun; students often enjoy getting together with friends to rehearse, and find it motivating.) Depending on student levels/instruments, students may only perform on select songs.

On June 27th, there will be a rehearsal from 1:15 to 4:45pm at Tyler Road Baptist Church. There will be a break during the rehearsal. At 6:45pm, students will return to the church to prepare for the concert; the concert will begin at 7:00pm. The concert should end no later than 8:00pm.

Photo Credit: Thuy Aston

Dr Laycock conducting at an event like the 2026 Orchestra Day
Vance Music students in rehearsal at an event like the 2026 Orchestra Day

If you find your name and instrument(s) listed on the the 2026 Orchestra Day Google Form, your teacher thinks you should perform in this year’s orchestra. We will be calling families we have not heard from by Saturday, June 6th, 2026.

If you live outside of the state but are a current student who would like to travel to Wichita and participate, please email Marissa (marissa@vancemusic.com) about joining our ensemble! Please get in touch with us no later than Saturday, June 6th, 2026.

We would love to include former students again this year! If you’ve continued to play (or sing) the instrument you studied at Vance Music, please email Marissa (marissa@vancemusic.com) about joining our ensemble! Please get in touch with us no later than Saturday, June 6th, 2026.

Photo Credit: Charles Cummins

Discount: Wear A Vance Music T-Shirt

For $5 off the student 2026 Orchestra Day fee, students can wear a Vance Music T-shirt to the event. Please email Marissa (marissa@vancemusic.com) to purchase a Vance Music t-shirt.

Discount: Sell Tickets

For $45 off the student 2026 Orchestra Day fee, students can sell concert tickets. Use the 2026 Orchestra Day Google Form above to mark your interest in this option. You will receive a Ticket Order Form and tickets to sell. Students must sell a minimum of 10 full-price tickets in order to replace their Orchestra Day fee. All payments and unsold tickets must be turned in by Tuesday, June 23rd.

Discount: Parents Volunteer

For a free concert ticket to the 2026 Orchestra Day concert, parents can volunteer to help. Use the 2026 Orchestra Day Google Form above to sign up as a volunteer and receive a free ticket to the concert.

A picture of a glass jar of cash savings to demonstrate how students can save money for the 2026 Orchestra Day
Dr. Laycock conducting an orchestra similar to the group on the 2026 Orchestra Day

Watch for the next 2026 Orchestra Day Post

The website will be updated at a later date, so watch for updates! The updated post about the 2026 Orchestra Day will cover multiple topics and have resources to help you, including:

  • 10 rules for orchestras
  • Working with a conductor
  • Music & practice tracks
  • Tentative concert song order
  • Keyboard Instructions
  • Volunteer Instructions
  • What to wear & bring
  • Ticket information

Inviting friends, teachers, and colleagues to come to Vance Music concerts and recitals is a great way to start conversations. Remember, you can earn free lessons by referring students to Vance Music!

Photo Credit: Thuy Aston