2010-11 Youth Orchestras Fall Audition Information
Thank you for your interest in the Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestras.  The DMSYO is comprised of (3) ensembles:

YOUTH SINFONIA ORCHESTRA (beginning strings)                            Grades 1-6
YOUTH PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (intermediate strings)         Grades 7-9
YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (full orchestra)                                 Grades 10-12

Auditions are open to any young musician who desires to enhance their musical development through ensemble playing with other talented musicians from the central Iowa area. 

Fall auditions for our 2010-11 season will be:

TUE, SEP 7  4-6PM
TEMPLE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
1011 LOCUST STREET
DES MOINES, IA 50309

WED, SEP 8  4-6PM
VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
3650 WOODLAND AVENUE
WEST DES MOINES, IA 50265


ABOUT OUR YOUTH ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS

For these auditions, musicians are asked to have a short musical selection prepared that demonstrates their current ability level.  All auditioning musicians play for all Youth Orchestra conductors, who will place musicians in the ensemble that is most appropriate to the current ability level.

These auditions generally last about (5) minutes and are first-come, first-serve.  Auditioning musicians will not be asked for scales or sight-reading.

Although no specific audition times are given, we ask that you contact Joshua Barlage, Acting Academy Director, at 280-3332 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it so that we can get a sense of how many musicians we can expect to see at each of our June auditions.   Please know that walk-in auditions are always welcomed. 

ELIGIBILITY

Auditioning musicians must be active participants in their school music program to be eligible to perform with the Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestras.  Each fall, DMSYO rosters are shared with area Band and Orchestra Directors for the purpose of confirming eligibility.   

HOW TO ENROLL IN ONE OF OUR YOUTH ORCHESTRA ENSEMBLES

Youth Orchestra registration forms will be available at these auditions. 

 

DES MOINES SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


 
Will there be warm-up room available at the audition?
Yes. One large room will be available at each audition site for use by auditioning musicians.
 
Is there a specific time that I should arrive for my audition? 
Since these auditions are first-come, first-serve, we suggest that you arrive as early as conveniently possible and plan for a 20-30 minute wait to audition. 
 
Do I need to memorize my music for these auditions? 
Memorization is not required for auditions, unless it serves the individual need of the auditioning musician.

Is there a dress code for auditions? 
Auditioning musicians are asked to wear nice clothes which they are comfortable to perform in.  This is the first impression you will make on those who will evaluate you.  It is also a good idea to practice in the clothes you are planning to wear for your audition at least one time.
 
When will I notified of my audition results?
 Audition results will be mailed to students in mid-July. 
 
Where should I park?
Valley High School
Auditioning musicians/parents may park in any available school lot. 

Temple for Performing Arts
Audition musicians/parents may park in any of the following areas:

  • 1. Meters on streets near the Temple - insert coins before 6pm, free after 6pm
  • 2. Nationwide Ramp (entrances on Mulberry, Walnut and 12th Streets) - free after 5pm
  • 3. ING Open Lot (entrance on 9th Street) - free after 5pm