Since its founding in 1970, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Civic Youth Ensembles (CYE) has grown to provide musicians of all ages a comprehensive music education experience. CYE’s mission is to cultivate every student's artistic and creative potential through rewarding musical experiences while developing meaningful skills outside the arts.

CYE consists of two full orchestras, four string orchestras, three wind ensembles, and three jazz ensembles, as well as several chamber ensembles and jazz combos. Led by dedicated and masterful music directors, each ensemble offers a unique opportunity for students at all skill levels seeking musical experiences beyond the classroom. CYE provides students with the chance to perform at historic Orchestra Hall and to learn from Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians.

Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

Auditions for the 2024-2025 Civic Youth Ensembles are NOW OPEN! Please email cye@dso.org for more information. Click placement auditions to view sample audition materials for the upcoming season.

CYE is proudly sponsored by the following funders:

Robert & Lucinda Clement Fund for Music Education
Jack, Evelyn, & Richard Cole Family Foundation
Detroit Pistons
Vera & Joseph Dresner Foundation
The Fred A. & Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
Ford Foundation, Ford Motor Company Fund
Laurie Lindemulder Harris
David & Sheri Jaffa
The Kellman Scholars
Deborah Miesel Scholarship Endowment
Dr. Glenda D. Price
David & Christine Provost
Renaissance (MI) Chapter of the Links
The Bea & Harry Shapiro Fund for Keyboard Education
Bill & Chris Shell
Dr. Larry Teal
Peter & Carol Walters
Ilene Wenner & Shari Morgan Scholarship
Paul Wingert Scholarship
Drs. David & Bernadine Wu
Burton A. Zipser & Sandra D. Zipser Foundation