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.
New applications are still being accepted for the 2024-2025 season!
Please see below for details.
Join us for our 2024-2025 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.
2024-2025 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!
Auditions will continue to be accepted for all strings, and for winds, brass, and percussion based on openings. We currently have a number of openings for French horn.
Please email youthorchestras@dsso.com for more information.
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Click here to find instructions, scales, and excerpts needed for your audition. There are two ways to audition for DSSYO:
1. Electronically: instructions for recording and submitting your audition video may be found in the Audition Requirements document.
2. 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. Dates will be determined in September.
CONTACT US
REHEARSALS
24-25 Season First Rehearsal:
Monday, September 23, 2024
6:30 PM – 8:45 PM
1200 Kenwood Ave
Duluth, MN
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fall Concert – EEK! The Depot
Saturday, October 26, 2024
2:00 PM
The Depot Theater
506 W Michigan St
Duluth, MN
Concert Program
DSSO Holiday Spectacular
Youth Symphony Side-by-Side
Saturday, December 7, 2024
2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
DECC Symphony Hall
350 Harbor Dr
Duluth, MN
60th Annual Lollipop Concert
Sunday, March 2, 2025
3:00 PM
Mitchell Auditorium
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Ave
Duluth, MN
Spring Concert
Sunday, May 4, 2025
3:00 PM
Mitchell Auditorium
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Ave
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
2024 – 2025 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
