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.
Presenting the
2026 DSSYO SPRING CONCERT
Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Mitchell Auditorium
The College of Saint Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Avenue
TICKETS
General Admission – Pay What You Can
(Suggested donation: $10 per person)
Join us for our 2026-2027 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.
Please see “Tuition Information” below for 26-27 tuition rates.
We are accepting applications and auditions for all strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, harp, and percussion.
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.
ELECTRONIC AUDITIONS ARE DUE JULY 1, 2026.
- IN PERSON: To request an in-person audition, please email us at youthorchestras@dsso.com and include your Name, Instrument, and preferred date(s) and time(s) from the list below. 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.
IN-PERSON AUDITION DATES:
- Monday, May 11, 4:30 – 8:30 PM
- Monday, May 18, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
- Tuesday, May 19, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
- Thursday, May 21, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
- Tuesday, May 26, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, May 27, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
- Monday, June 1, 4:30 – 8:30 PM
- Tuesday, June 2, 4:30 – 8:30 PM
- Monday, June 8, 3:00 – 8:30 PM
- Thursday, June 11, 3:00 – 8:30 PM
- Saturday, June 13, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
CONTACT US
REHEARSALS
Monday Evenings
during the school year
6:30 PM – 8:45 PM
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Ave
Duluth, MN
UPCOMING EVENTS
Spring Concert
Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 3 PMTICKETS
General Admission – Pay What You Can
(Suggested Donation: $10 per person)
Mitchell Auditorium
The College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN
The Duluth Superior Symphony Youth Orchestras are generously sponsored by
PLEASE NOTE:
The DSSYO encourages all students to maintain membership in their school orchestras and bands while participating in the DSSYO program. School ensembles meet daily, and the once-a-week rehearsal of the DSSYO groups is not a substitute for the learning that takes place during school rehearsals. Ideally, a student benefits greatest from in-school instruction, and school programs benefit from the leadership skills developed through participation in the DSSYO program.
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
2026 – 2027 Tuition Rates:
Sinfonia: $400
Concert Orchestra: $400
Percussion Ensemble: $600
Youth Symphony: $600
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
