For more than 80 years, thousands of young musicians throughout the Northland have found inspiration in the Duluth Superior Symphony Youth Orchestras program (DSSYO). The DSSYO allows these young musicians to sharpen their music skills through a variety of experiences with DSSO conductors and musicians in rehearsals, sectionals, and side-by-side performances.
The 2025 – 2026 DSSYO Application is now open!
Click here to apply.
Join us for our 2025-2026 Season!
The DSSYO wants YOU!
Auditions are held annually to find new members for the intermediate and advanced orchestras. The Sinfonia program is for string players only and is non-auditioned. DSSYO membership is open to students ages 10 through high school.
In addition to advanced performance opportunities and weekly rehearsals, your DSSYO membership includes free tickets to DSSO concerts (exclusions apply) and professional coaching, as well as an annual retreat.
We are still accepting applications and auditions for all strings and for select woodwinds, brass and percussion. Please email youthorchestras@dsso.com to confirm that there is availability for your instrument.
Auditions
All DSSYO students must submit a membership application prior to auditioning.
The Sinfonia program is open to all string players – no audition needed. Simply fill out our application form!
Percussion Ensemble, Concert Orchestra, and Youth Symphony require an audition. There are two ways to audition for the DSSYO:
- Electronically: instructions for recording and submitting your audition video may be found in the Audition Requirements document.
- In Person: To request an in-person audition, please email us at youthorchestras@dsso.com and include your Name and Instrument. In-person auditions will be held at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. Room details will be confirmed via email. Please see the Audition Requirements document for scales, excerpts, and other information.
Please email youthorchestras@dsso.com with any questions.
CONTACT US
REHEARSALS
during the school year
6:30 PM – 8:45 PM
College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Ave
Duluth, MN
UPCOMING EVENTS
EEK! The Depot
Saturday, October 25, 202511 AM – 2 PM
DSSYO Performances at
12:30 & 1:30 PM
FREE!
The Depot Theater
506 West Michigan Street
Duluth, MN
More Information
506 West Michigan Street
Duluth, MN
Holiday Spectacular
Youth Symphony side-by-side
with the DSSO
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Family-Friendly Concert | 2 PM
Full Program | 7 PM
TICKETS
DECC Symphony Hall
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN
61st Annual Lollipop Concert
Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 3 PMTicket Information Coming Soon
DECC Symphony Hall
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN
Spring Concert
Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 3 PM
Ticket Information Coming Soon
Mitchell Auditorium
The College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN
The entry-level string orchestra where string players develop vital ensemble skills. Sinfonia students generally have 1-4 years of experience on their instruments. Sinfonia performs three concerts each year.
A full orchestra for members with maturing skills on their instruments. String players will have 3-6 years’ experience on their instruments. Wind, brass, and percussion players will have 1- 4 years’ experience. This group presents three concerts each season. Students play original and arranged symphonic repertoire from classical and pops genres.
The most advanced full orchestra offered by the DSSYO program. This group performs three concerts each year, plus a side-by-side experience with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Students play full, unabridged symphonic repertoire.
A component of the overall DSSYO program, where students split rehearsal time between the intermediate and advanced orchestras and a percussion-only ensemble. This group explores diverse realms of music influenced by classical, jazz, and popular music.
Have questions?
TUITION INFORMATION
2025 – 2026 Tuition Rates:
Sinfonia: $375
Concert Orchestra: $400
Percussion Ensemble: $425
Youth Symphony: $550
The DSSYO is one of the most affordable music programs for youth in the area, and it is our aim to provide tuition assistance to all who need it. Monthly payment plans are available, and tiered levels of reduced tuition are available based on need.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
