FAQs
What is the cost to audition?
There is a $30 non-refundable audition fee.
When are auditions?
We have two Audition days in in early May and one in late August (for open sections only) each year. We also accept limited auditions throughout the year - REGISTER NOW to be scheduled for an audition.
Where are auditions?
All auditions are held at the Farmington Hills Hawk (29995 W 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills).
Once the season begins we conduct limited auditions just before rehearsal begins Saturday morning.
What do I DO at the audition?
You’ll meet with the Conductor of the orchestra you’re auditioning for and play your instrument for them. See specific Audition Requirements for each orchestra. Get more Audition Information.
Hey, I’m in Marching Band or Cross Country and I want to do this too!
No problem! Audition with everyone else and START with Detroit MYS after your season is done. We encourage all wind players to audition in May as our Conductors select the season's music to fit our wind composition over the summer.
I see that your mission is to supplement the school music program. What if I’m not in a school program?
Detroit MYS would not exist if it weren’t for the music programs in our local schools, and we require all students to be a part of their school program. This does not apply to students where there is NO program. Students who have schedule conflicts with the school program may obtain a waiver from their counselor or school music director prior to starting DMYS at: https://forms.gle/uJs2VAHdLQkJj1dC6
How much is tuition?
$485 Symphony/ Concert / String - 2.5 hour rehearsals
$445 Sinfonia String - 2 hour rehearsals
Your tuition helps pay for our amazing Conductors, rehearsal space, the music we play, and the acoustically excellent concert halls in which we perform. We provide more instructional time each week than any other local youth orchestra!
Do you give any scholarships or tuition assistance?
DMYS is committed to our community and is able to offer generous tuition assistance to students with demonstrated financial need. Upon acceptance, students may apply for aid. We hope to welcome each and every student ready for an advanced ensemble experience to our orchestra. See the tuition assistance application.
In addition, each spring our directors recognize several outstanding students with special awards, several of which include scholarships.
When can students enroll?
During the summer, our conductors choose the music to best challenge their students based on their orchestra’s instrument composition and experience level. Our open enrollment deadline allows us to select a challenging and appropriate repertoire.
Open Enrollment ($485 Symphony/ Concert / String, $445 Sinfonia String):
Returning students and new students accepted in May: through June 1
New students accepted in August: through Labor Day
New students accepted after September 1st: case by case basis
Late enrollment (Tuition plus late fees): Any student outside of the above open enrollment may enroll (pending openings) by paying applicable late fees in addition to tuition.
When and where are rehearsals?
We rehearse Saturday mornings at The Hawk in Farmington Hills, starting right after Labor Day and ending in early May. All students arrive at 9:15am to warm up and rehearsal begins promptly at 9:30am.
Symphony, Concert and String orchestras end at Noon.
Sinfonia String Orchestra ends at 11:30am.
What is the attendance policy?
Our Conductors want you to be here. Each orchestra is a team and it takes teamwork to make a good sound. Please review our Attendance Policy.
Is there any way to try your orchestra?
There are several ways to see what we are all about!
Join us at a concert! Contact us (via button below) to find out more.
Attend rehearsal on one of our Open House Days. Check out our calendar (drop down from our main menu) to see when they are.
Still not sure? We’re so convinced you’ll love us, we will let you try us for one concert cycle at no cost. Contact Auditions@DetroitMYS.org for more information.
