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Music Education

Youth Ensembles

The Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles (DSYE) is the premier orchestral training program for youth in the tri-state area.

About the DSYE

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.

How to Audition

Please reach out to Hannah Von Mulert, 
Director of Education and Outreach, to sign up
or for more information on joining one of our youth ensembles:

hvonmulert@dubuquesymphony.org 
563-557-1677


    Dubuque Youth String Ensemble

    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

    Dubuque Youth Philharmonia

    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

    Dubuque Youth Wind Ensemble

    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

    Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra

    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

    Rehearsal Information

    The Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles rehearse on Sunday evenings throughout the school year at Clarke University. Rehearsals run from late August to early May.

    Youth Ensembles Rehearsal Schedule 2024_2025 PDF

    Tuition

    Annual tuition fees for the 2024-25 season are as follows:

    String Ensemble
    $190

    Philharmonia
    $200

    Wind Ensemble
    $200

    Youth Orchestra
    $250

    Tuition assistance is available on an as-needed basis. No student will be denied membership in the ensembles due to financial concerns.