Greater DM Youth Symphonies

The mission of the Greater Des Moines Youth Symphonies is provide young musicians of central Iowa an opportunity to expand their musical and social perspectives while performing challenging yet age–appropriate repertoire. Participation in the GDMYS builds upon the musical instruction students receive through their private lessons and school music programs.

The Greater DM Youth Symphonies Program is comprised of four orchestras:

Participants receive a comprehensive music education as they progress through the sequence of the four orchestras.

Ensemble participation builds upon a young musician's sense of responsibility and self–motivation and strengthens listening skills and practice habits. As a member of GDMYS (Greater Des Moines Youth Symphony), students learn to be both stronger leaders and reliable members of a collective group.

Each orchestra rehearses on a weekly basis in preparation for a concert, which is the culmination of weeks/months of preparation for students and directors. Each orchestra performs 2–4 concerts per year.

Membership is granted by auditions held each fall. Auditions for the 2007-08 season will be held:

Auditions for all Orchestras

September 4, 2007 4:00-6:00pm All Orchestras
September 5, 2007 4:00-6:00pm Youth Symphony Only

Auditions will be held on the 4th floor, Temple for Performing Arts, Des Moines.

In the 2006-07 season, over 130 young musicians participated in the Greater Des Moines Youth Symphonies. Throughout their season, the four orchestras that encompass the GDMYS presented a total of 8 performances.

2006-07 GDMYS musicians hailed from the following schools:

Adel-Desoto-Minburn High School Johnston Middle School
Adel-Desoto-Minburn Junior High School Jordan Creek Elementary
Ankeny High School McCombs Middle School
Callanan Middle School Merrill Middle School
Clive Elementary Nevada High School
Cowles Elementary North Polk Middle School
Dallas Center Grimes High School Northview Junior High School
Des Moines Christian High School Oskaloosa Senior High School
Des Moines Christrian Elementary Roosevelt High School
Dowling High School Southeast Polk High School
Downtown Des Moines School St. Augustin
East High School St. Fancis of Assissi
Fairmeadows Elementary Stilwell Junior High School
Goodrell Middle School Studebaker Elementary
Grandview Park Baptist Urbandale High School
Hanwal Elementary Urbandale Middle School
Holy Family School Valley High School
Hoover High School Valley Southwoods High School
Indian Hills Junior High School Wallace Elementary-Johnston
Indianola High School Waukee Elementary
Indianola Middle School Waukee High School
Johnston High School Waukee Middle School