Civic Youth Ensembles
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 2025-2026 CYE Season are now OPEN! Please email cye@dso.org for more information. Click placement auditions to view audition materials for the upcoming season and to apply through Acceptd.com.
The DSO’s Learning & Engagement Programs are generously supported by:
Mandell & Madeleine Berman Foundation
Dr. George & Joyce Blum
Penny & Harold Blumenstein Future Audiences Fund
Ms. Debra Bonde
Michael Thain Cameron & Martha Cavanagh Cameron
Robert & Lucinda Clement Fund for Music Education
Jack, Evelyn, and Richard Cole Family Foundation
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Vera & Joseph Dresner Foundation
The Fred A. & Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
Ford Foundation
Stanley & Judith Frankel Family Foundation
Paul Wingert Scholarship
Mary Lee Gwizdala
Laurie Lindemulder Harris
Dr. Karen Hrapkiewicz
David & Sheri Jaffa
The Kellman Scholars
Mary Lambert
Liebler Family Foundation
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Deborah Miesel Scholarship Endowment
Ilene Wenner Scholarship
David R. & Sylvia J. Nelson Foundation for Arts & Letters
Sheila Paton
PNC Bank
Dr. Glenda D. Price
Mr. & Mrs. David Provost
Renaissance (MI) Chapter of the Links
Chris Sachs/Shanda Lowery-Sachs Civic Youth Ensembles Scholarships
The Bea & Harry Shapiro Fund for Keyboard Education
Bill & Chris Shell
Susan Shevrin
Steven Smith
Stone Foundation of Michigan
Peter & Carol Walters
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Elaine Weingarden
Drs. David & Bernadine Wu
Young Woman's Home Association
Burton A. Zipser & Sandra D. Zipser Foundation
