Youth Ensembles
The metropolitan Detroit area is fortunate to have several youth ensembles and training programs for young musicians. These orchestras, bands, and chamber ensembles are geared towards giving young musicians the opportunity to learn under terrific mentors, and to perform at a very high level with students from across the region. These ensembles usually rehearse once per week during the fall through spring, and provide a fantastic opportunity to perform at a high level.
Students must apply and audition for these ensembles and training programs. Typically, most of these organizations conduct auditions in April or May for the upcoming concert season. Some organizations also offer auditions in September to fill any extra openings they may have.
Below is a list of several of the youth ensembles in the greater Detroit area, including when their audition schedule for the 2008-2009 season.
- Michigan Youth Ensembles: auditions in mid-April 2008
- Oakland Youth Orchestra: auditions in late April 2008
- Metropolitan Youth Symphony: auditions in mid-May 2008
- Dearborn Youth Symphony: auditions in mid-May 2008
- Detroit Civic Youth Ensembles: auditions in late May/early June 2008
- Plymouth Canton Celebration Youth Orchestras: auditions in June 2008
- Livonia Youth Philharmonic: auditions are scheduled by appointment - contact them for information
- The Sphinx Prepartory Institute at Wayne State University is a twenty-week program for Detroit students age 11-18. This program provides music history, music theory/ear training, and instrumental performance instruction, primarily for middle school students who lack access to beginning and intermediate-level training.
Audition requirements vary with the different ensembles and programs. Visit the website for each ensemble for the application deadlines, specific audition dates, and audition requirements.