2026 – 2027 audition information is now UPDATED BELOW.

Information about Youth Orchestras

To learn more about each of our Youth Orchestras, please read through the menu below:

The Dayton Philharmonic Junior Strings (DPJS) was formed in 2014 in response to requests from string teachers and music educators for an orchestra that would encourage young string players not quite ready for the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Strings. The goal of this orchestra is to provide an opportunity for students to further develop their musical skills while learning to work together with other string players in an ensemble. DPJS is for grades 4 – 8th.

The Dayton Philharmonic Youth Strings (DPYS) was established in 1982 with the support of Mrs. Virginia Kettering, to provide musical enrichment and advanced concert experience for string students in grades 6 – 12. Students in the Youth Strings will perform challenging original string literature.

Founded in 1937 by Paul Katz, the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (DPYO) brings together the greater Dayton area’s most gifted young orchestral musicians, providing the opportunity to study and perform a broad range of orchestral repertoire. The DPYO is committed to inspiring an overall cultural awareness and appreciation of music in its members and audiences, strengthening our region’s existing school music programs, and helping stimulate interest in the development of school orchestral programs where none exist. The DPYO is for grades 9 – 12.

Audition Information

Auditions for entrance into the youth orchestras will start in the middle of April through the middle of May (specific dates are in the drop-down menu below). Members are accepted by audition only. All current members (including DPJS, DPYS, and DPYO) must re-audition in person and fill out the application form for the 2026 – 2027 season. Please follow the steps on how to sign up for auditions below.

Applicants must play the same instrument they’re applying for in their school band or orchestra. Exceptions are made for home school students, pianists and harpists, and students from schools where there are no such music groups.

DPJS / DPYS Double Audition Dates

DPYS / DPYO Double Audition Dates

How to Apply

  1. Carefully review the eligibility requirements below, rehearsal and performance commitments, and tuition expectations in the 2026 Audition Brochure.
  2. Complete the online application.
    • Once slots have been completely filled, please still complete the online application and email our Learning team at [email protected].
  3. Audition results will be communicated in June 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

You will either audition for the DPJS / DPYS Double Auditions (if you are in grades 4 – 8) or DPYS / DPYO Double Auditions (if you are in grades 9 – 12). All dates and times are listed above, but you will select a specific date and time on the application form. Winds (woodwinds and brass), percussion, harp, and piano auditionees are only eligible for DPYO, but should still select a DPYS/ DPYO Double Audition for their audition date / time.

This audition is in front of their respective conductors, and they will determine which orchestra will best suit that student’s needs and ability. Students can only be a member of one orchestra. Please consult your private teacher or contact Melissa McCoy, Engagement Programs Manager, if you have any questions about eligibility requirements.

The Youth Orchestras are built on dedication and commitment. Members are expected to attend all rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances. We ask that you review your schedule thoroughly before accepting a position. Consistent attendance is essential; excessive unexcused absences may result in release from the orchestra.

Please carefully read through the double audition requirements below for your appropriate instrument.

DPJS and DPYS Double Audition Requirements

Violin:

Viola:

Cello:

Bass:

DPYS and DPYO Double Audition Requirements

Strings:

Woodwinds:

Brass:

Percussionists:

Harp and Piano:

A note for DPYO only:
Due to the nature of orchestral repertoire, a student may switch between instruments, even within a concert. For example, a flute player (their primary instrument) can also play the piccolo (their secondary instrument) during a concert or throughout the season. Applicants only need to prepare secondary instrument excerpts if they are auditioning on that secondary instrument. For example, not everyone auditioning on flute needs to prepare the piccolo excerpt if they don’t want to be considered for piccolo parts. Those auditioning on a “primary” and “secondary” instrument should only sign up for one audition slot.

List of primary and secondary instruments:

Primary Instruments

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Clarinet
  • Bassoon
  • French Horn
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Bass Trombone
  • Tuba
  • Percussion
  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Bass

Secondary Instruments

  • Piccolo
  • English Horn
  • Eb Clarinet
  • Bass Clarinet
  • Alto Saxophone
  • Harp
  • Piano / Keyboard

Feel free to email [email protected] with any questions.

Parking Information for Auditions

All auditions are held at the University of Dayton in Fitz Hall, located at 1529 Brown Street, Dayton, OH 45469. Parking is available in front of the building. Fitz Hall is located on the corner of Brown Street and Caldwell Street, just across the street from the main UD campus. You can enter the parking lot for Fitz Hall on K Street (map below).

A parking pass is required during the weekdays until 7:30 pm. A DPAA staff member or EnCorps volunteer will have a parking pass ready for you if you have an audition during those times. Please allow yourself extra time to park, walk to pick up the parking pass, and warm-up for the audition.

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Map of Fitz Hall Parking Lot

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a student prepare for their audition?

Where do auditions take place?

How much does participation in the Youth Orchestras cost?

I am a current DPJS, DPYS, or DPYO musician. Do I need to re-audition?

When will students receive audition results?

I play either a woodwind instrument, brass instrument, piano, harp, or percussion instrument. Which ensemble can I audition for, and which audition type should I select on the form?

When will the official rehearsal and performance schedule be posted?