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Youth Orchestras

Download a Youth Orchestras 2013-2014 Brochure and Application

Be Inspired! Be Moved! Be Transformed!

Thousands of young musicians throughout the Northland have found inspiration in the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra’s Youth Orchestras for more than seventy years! Members are chosen from among the finest musicians within the region through annual competitive auditions. Students accepted in the Youth Orchestras Program develop their music skills through a variety of experiences with the DSSO’s conducting staff and DSSO members in rehearsals, sectionals, and side-by-side performances.

The DSSO’s three training orchestras include the Youth Symphony, the Concert Orchestra and the Sinfonia. The Sinfonia is a string orchestra, while both the Youth Symphony and Concert Orchestra are full symphonic orchestras which include woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings. Acceptance and placement into each orchestra will be based on audition results. Students will be placed according to proficiency level and musical and artistic ability.

Should I audition?

If you are a dedicated musician between the ages of 10 through 18 and enjoy performing quality music at a high level, you are strongly encouraged to apply. The DSSO Youth Orchestras can help you to become the best musician you can be.

I've decided to audition; what next?

Email Kevin Hoeschen—include your instrument, phone number, email address and grade level (Fall 2013). Indicate your first and second choices for an audition time. If you have questions, call the DSSO office at 218-623-3778.

Auditions are eight minutes in length. You should prepare a solo of up to five minutes in length that demonstrates your playing ability. Please work with your school teacher and private teacher (if you have one) to choose and properly prepare an appropriate solo for audition. You will also be asked to do some brief sight-reading.

Audition schedule for 2013-2014 season

Auditions will be held at the College of St. Scholastica, Room 3625, Tower Hall, in Duluth. The following instruments will be heard at these dates/times:

• Thursday, May 9
  5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  Woodwinds, brass & percussion
• Friday, May 10
  5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  Strings
• Saturday, May 11
  8:00 am – 12:00 pm
  Strings
• Tuesday, May 14
  5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  Strings
• Saturday, May 18
  9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  Woodwinds, brass & percussion
• Monday, May 20
  5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  Strings

How will I learn if I've been accepted?

You will be notified by mail during the month of July. Weekly rehearsals will be held Monday evenings under the direction of the DSSO's conducting staff. Youth Symphony members will begin rehearsal at the Fall Retreat, September 6–8, 2013. Concert Orchestra and Sinfonia members will begin rehearsal on Monday, September 9.

Youth Orchestras concerts during 2013-2014 season

The Youth Orchestras present a Halloween Concert, a Fall Concert, a Lollipop Concert for children, and a Spring Concert. Concerts are held at 3:00 pm at various locations in the community.

More benefits!

Members of the Youth Orchestras receive two free tickets to each classical concert of the DSSO.

How much will it cost?

Annual tuition for the 2013-2014 season is $225. Musicians who reside 50 or more miles from Duluth or are unable to pay tuition may seek tuition assistance upon written request to the executive director of the DSSO. These requests must be received by August 1, 2013. Tuition and fees must be paid in full (or a payment plan established) by Monday, September 30, 2013.

Youth Orchestra Percussion Ensemble

The DSSO Youth Percussion Ensemble (YPE) functions as a component of the overall Youth Orchestras Program. Students split rehearsal time between the orchestras and the YPE led by Dr. Jeremy Craycraft, assistant professor of percussion at The College of St. Scholastica. The YPE explores more diverse realms of music- making with an emphasis on chamber music. We perform a wide variety of styles that are influenced by classical, jazz, and popular music genres. In addition, the ensemble presents art and music that have been inspired and adapted from the wealth of world music percussion traditions.