The Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles (DSYE) is the premier orchestral training program for youth in the tri-state area.
The DYSE is an educational component of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, overseen by the DSO Education Committee.
The DSYE's mission is to supplement and enhance music education in the schools and to promote the highest standards of musical excellence via weekly rehearsals and regularly scheduled public performances. The DSYE includes four training ensembles: Dubuque Youth String Ensemble, Dubuque Youth Philharmonia, Dubuque Youth Wind Ensemble and Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Through a partnership with Clarke University, weekly rehearsals are held on the Clarke Campus.
Auditions will take place the week of May 12th.
Audition excerpts & materials are available for download below.
Wind Auditions: Monday, May 13th from 6:30-9:00 - click to sign up
String Auditions: Wednesday, May 15th from 6:30-9:00 - click to sign up
Please reach out to Hannah Von Mulert, Director of Education and Outreach, for more information on joining one of our youth ensembles:
hvonmulert@dubuquesymphony.org
563-557-1677
The String Ensemble is an introductory honors ensemble for young string players with an average of 1-4 years playing experience or equivalent ability. The group performs various levels of string orchestra literature from the standard middle school repertoire.
The Dubuque Youth String Ensemble is conducted by Kara Tann
The Philharmonia is an honors ensemble for string players. Members generally have an average of 3-6 years playing experience, or equivalent ability, and perform individually at a high-school or advanced middle-school level.
The Dubuque Youth Philharmonia is conducted by Kara Tann
The Wind Ensemble is an honors ensemble for wind, brass and persussion players. Students have at least 2 years of ensemble experience, and perform at a high school or advanced middle school level.
The Dubuque Youth Wind Ensemble is conducted by David Resnick
The Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra is the DSYE's premier honors orchestra. Students typically have 5-9 years of ensemble experience, or equivalent ability, and play individually at a pre-college or college level. Musicians gain experience performing standard classical repertoire in a full orchestra setting.
The Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra is conducted by Dr. Rob Stull
The Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles rehearse on Sunday evenings throughout the school year at Clarke University. Rehearsals run from late August to early May.
Annual tuition fees for the 2023-24 season are as follows:
String Ensemble
$185
Philharmonia
$195
Wind Ensemble
$195
Youth Orchestra
$240
Tuition assistance is available on an as-needed basis. No student will be denied membership in the ensembles due to financial concerns.
