Civic Youth Ensembles

Reflecting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's commitment to developing the next generation of musicians and music supporters, the Civic Youth Ensembles have established themselves as Michigan's most comprehensive pre-professional training program for orchestra, chamber, wind and jazz musicians, and as a model for similar programs throughout the nation.

Summary of Programs

The Civic Orchestras offer world-class training and performance opportunities for students of all ability levels-from elementary school to college graduate students. The Civic Jazz Ensembles, a national leader in jazz education, provide students with big band and improvisational training under the guidance of world-renowned jazz artists. The Civic String Orchestras are a targeted training program for string students who are beyond rudimentary skills, but need additional instruction in technique before earning a position with the full orchestras. The Civic Wind Ensemble allows further opportunity for wind players to broaden their repetoire and wind band experience. The breadth of opportunities and training offered by the Civic Youth Ensembles shows our dedication to providing the best and most well-rounded conservatory-style training that encompasses both large and small ensemble experience.

All members of the Civic Youth Ensembles benefit from one-on-one interaction with DSO musicians, conductors and staff; opportunities to work with and perform with internationally renowned artists; and perform in the state of the art facilities of the Max M. Fisher Music Center-including historic Orchestra Hall and the Jacob Bernard Pincus Music Education Center. Civic musicians have unparalleled access to DSO musicians, and frequently enjoy master classes and rehearsals with guests artists and conductors. Members of the DSO interact closely with our students by leading sectionals and coaching our chamber groups. Recent guest artists have included Itzhak Perlman, Midori, Sir Andrew Davis, Mark Wigglesworth, Pinhas Zukerman, Peter Oundjian, Michele Camillo, Regina Carter, Eddie Daniels, Brandord Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Carl Allen, Jon Faddis, Matt Wilson, members of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Neeme Järvi, Leonard Slatkin, John Corigliano, Yan Pascal Tortelier, Thomas Wilkins, and Hugh Wolff.

We invite you to join our ever-expanding Civic Youth Ensembles family. Auditions take place every spring at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. We look forward to meeting you and your family at the auditions and to seeing you at concerts!