Student Apprenticeships

One of the best ways to inspire and to teach young talented musicians is to give them the chance to perform side-by-side with seasoned musicians – both in rehearsals and at actual performance. The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra’s Student Apprentice Program offers just such an opportunity. Young students from the area may audition for a seat in the orchestra; those selected will be paid a small stipend.

2022 - 23 Season Student Apprentice Auditions

The LCSO is inviting advanced high school musicians to audition for the opportunity to play side-by-side with LCSO musicians. Any student in grades 9 – 12 in good standing with his/her band or orchestra program is invited to audition.

Audition date

audition requirements

An Indiana Group 1 Level Solo or equivalent, with contrasting movements or two contrasting pieces; major scales through 4 flats/4 sharps; and a chromatic scale through the full range of the student’s instrument.

To Sign up for an audition time please click here. For more information, please contact Morgan Sleeper.

2022-2023 LCSO Student Apprentices
Elliott Yrastorza
Percussion

Elliot Yrastorza is a Senior at La Porte High School.  He’s been playing percussion for six years and now performs with the LPHS Band.  He plans on attending music school after graduation, hopefully at a school along the East Coast.  Outside of music, he enjoys computers, theater, shoes, cats and cooking.

Theo Smith
Tuba

Theo Smith is a new student apprentice to the LCSO and has been playing the tuba for over six years.  Theo is a resident of Long Beach, Indiana and currently a Senior at Lu Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana.  He is a member of the La Lu Jazz band. Studies under Richard Watson (Valparaiso University, LCSO Principal Tuba) and Scott Tegge (University of Illinois, CYSO).

Theo is a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) and was selected to participate in the Indiana All State Honor Band.

Berrek Ohime
Trumpet

Berrek Ohime has played the trumpet for 7 years. During that time he’s had 8 different band directors and received private lessons from 4 different instructors. Currently he is a senior at La Porte highschool where he participates in the wind ensemble and marching band. After high school Berrek hopes to join a Marine Corp band, and further his musical knowledge by studying music performance and music education in college. From there, he hopes to retire as a school band director.

Kyra Krachinski
Flute

My name is Kyra Krachinski and I am a senior at Michigan City High School. I have undergone a very cathartic musical journey ever since I began to teach myself how to play the flute (age 12). When I entered high school, I set foot into more vast areas of the musical world, as I have gotten the opportunity to perform with many different ensembles. I am in Michigan City High School’s Advanced Wind Ensemble, the IBA All-Region and All-District Honor Bands, and the Michigan City Municipal Band. I also made the alternate list for the IBA All-State Honor Band earlier this year. I have participated in ISSMA for the past five years, in which I have earned five state gold ratings, two with distinction. Once I graduate high school, I plan on attending college to major in Microbiology, along with getting involved in musical activities on campus.

Zach Kabacinski
Trumpet

My name is Zach Kabacinski, and I am a trumpet player who is honored to be a student apprentice of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. I am a student at La Porte High School, and I am currently a junior. I’ve been playing trumpet since 6th grade, and I have very much enjoyed my journey through music these past years. I love participating in many musical groups, my favorites being marching band and jazz band. I have a younger brother who is also involved in music, and our mom and dad are very supportive of our musical goals and accomplishments. Outside of music, I enjoy watching movies, solving puzzles, and learning new things. I’m very interested in math and science, and I’m definitely looking towards those fields for college. I am also planning on pursuing music in college, and I’m excited to continue improving and getting the chance to be a part of some amazing musical experiences.