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.
Information about 2023-2024 tuition rates and new scholarships is now available!
For the 2023-24 season, the DSSYO is happy to announce we will be offering specific school and instrument scholarships! These scholarships are intended to increase participation in the DSSYO program from schools that are traditionally under-represented and to encourage participation of players of instruments which are insufficiently represented in the ensembles. Please scroll down to the Tuition Information section to learn more.
Join us for our 2023-2024 Season!
The DSSYO wants YOU!
Auditions are held annually to find new members for the intermediate and advanced orchestras. The Sinfonia program is non-auditioned. DSSYO membership is open to students ages 10 through high school.
2023-2024 Auditions
All DSSYO students must submit a membership application prior to auditioning.
In-Person Audition Dates:
In-person auditions will be held in Tower Hall at the College of St. Scholastica (1200 Kenwood Ave in Duluth).
Thursday, June 15 | 3 – 7 pm
Thursday, June 22 | 3 – 7 pm
Friday, June 23 | 3 – 6 pm
Thursday, June 29 | 3 – 7 pm
Friday, June 30 | 3 – 6 pm
Friday, July 7 | 3 – 6 pm
Tuesday, July 18 | 3 – 6 pm
Saturday, July 22 | 9 am – 2 pm
All DSSYO students must submit a membership application. Please email us at [email protected] to request an in-person audition. Please include your Name, Instrument, and preferred date and time. Excerpts and scales may be found here.
Should I audition?
If you are between the ages of 10 and 18 and enjoy performing quality music at a high level with others, we highly encourage you to audition! We hope that the DSSYO will not only be fun, but help you become the best musician you can be.
The Sinfonia program is open to all string players – no audition needed. Simply fill out our application form!
I’ve decided to audition – what now?
Click here to find instructions, scales, and excerpts needed for your audition. In addition, you’ll find instructions for recording and submitting your audition video!
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 218-623-3774.
REHEARSALS
Monday Evenings
Beginning Fall 2023
6:30 – 8:45 pm
College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Ave
Duluth, MN
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fall Concert
EEK! The Depot
Saturday, October 28, 2023
1:00 PM
The Depot Theater
59th Annual Lollipop Concert
Sunday, February 25, 2024
3:00 PM
DECC
Spring Concert
Date & Location Coming Soon
CONTACT US
The entry-level string orchestra where string players develop vital ensemble skills. Sinfonia students generally have 2-4 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 orchestras and PE. This ensemble explores diverse realms of music influenced by classical, jazz, and popular music.
Have questions?
Tuition Information
2023 – 2024 Tuition Amounts
Sinfonia – $350
Concert Orchestra – $390
Percussion Ensemble – $390
Youth Symphony – $500
In addition to advanced performance opportunities and weekly rehearsals, your DSSYO membership includes tickets to DSSO concerts (exclusions apply) and professional coaching, as well as an annual retreat.
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.
NEW SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
For the 2023-24 season, the DSSYO is happy to announce we will be offering specific school and instrument scholarships! These scholarships are intended to increase participation in the DSSYO program from schools that are traditionally under-represented and to encourage participation of players of instruments which are insufficiently represented in the ensembles.
New members who qualify for these scholarships may receive an automatic $50 off Sinfonia Tuition, $90 off Concert Orchestra & Percussion Ensemble Tuition and $100 off Youth Symphony Tuition. Only one scholarship or other type of discount will applicable per member. Please send an email with your name, address, school, and instrument to [email protected] to indicate your qualifications and interest.
Under-Represented School Programs Scholarship (USPS)
Instrument-Specific Scholarship (ISS)
We have a donor who is interested in providing scholarships to under-represented school programs.
Students from the following schools are eligible for this sponsorship:
- Duluth Denfeld
- Lincoln Park Middle School
- Proctor Middle and High School
- Hermantown Middle and High School
- Superior High School
- Superior Middle School
- Schools outside of the Duluth-Superior Area
The DSSYO would like to encourage new members who play the following under-represented instruments or current members who are interested in switching instruments and will be taking regular lessons on the new instrument. (i.e., sax to bassoon, clarinet or flute to oboe, violin to viola, trumpet to French horn, etc.):
- Oboe
- Bassoon
- French Horn
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Tuba
- Viola
Financial Need-Based Tuition Assistance (TA)
The DSSYO offers need-based tuition assistance for families whose children are enrolled in our ensembles. We rely on the generosity of our contributors to provide this opportunity to our young musicians. As part of this process, we collect financial and demographic information to help us determine the amount of assistance available. All provided information will be kept strictly confidential and used only for the purpose of determining eligibility for tuition assistance. Tuition Assistance applications will be mailed out with acceptance packets. Any questions may be emailed to [email protected].
