Michigan Youth Symphonic Band

Last updated 4/16/24

The Michigan Youth Symphonic Band (MYSB) provides woodwind, brass and percussion students rigorous experience in performing intensive and demanding repertoire in a broad range of styles. The Michigan Youth Symphonic Band is open to advanced high-school aged level woodwind, brass and percussion musicians.

MYSB Announcements

(4/16/24) Applications for MYE’s next season CLOSED

Applications for MYE’s 2024-2025 Season are now closed. Please reach out to the Engagement & Outreach Office ([email protected]) if you have any questions / interested in auditioning for MYE in the future.

Resources

  • 2024-25 Participant Handbook (coming May 24′)

Rehearsal Information

Time: Sundays, 2:15 – 5:00 PM
Location: Kevreson Rehearsal Hall

E. V. Moore Building
(U-M North Campus, 1100 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)

All rehearsals / events will take place at that above listed time and location unless otherwise noted

MYSB Season Schedule

Click the button(s) below to access next season’s schedule for both MAIZE and BLUE Winds & Percussion

**Please see the “Auditions | Eligibility” section below for more information on both MAIZE and BLUE wind & percussion groups for the 2024-2025 season.

Instructors

CONDUCTOR / FACULTY DIRECTOR – COURTNEY SNYDER

Associate Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music

Dr. Courtney Snyder is Associate Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Conducting at the University of Michigan, where she conducts theConcert Band, teaches conducting, and conducts the Michigan Youth Symphonic Band. Under her artistic leadership, the Concert Band was invited to perform at the College Band Directors Association North-Central Division Conference.

Previously, Snyder served as the assistant director of bands and director of athletic bands at the University of Nebraska-Omaha where she conducted the “Maverick” Marching Band, conducted the Concert Band, served as associate conductor of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and taught courses in conducting, music education, and brass methods. While in Omaha, Snyder also served as music director for the Nebraska Wind Symphony, which, under her direction, was invited to perform at the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association annual conference. Prior to teaching at the collegiate level, Snyder taught high school and middle school band and orchestra in the Michigan public schools.

Auditions | Eligibility

Applications the 2024-2025 MYSB Season are now CLOSED.

2024-2025 MICHIGAN YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND APPLICATION / AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Complete the 2024-2025 Michigan Youth Ensembles Application via the button below.
  • Be sure to select your audition time via the MYE Application! Auditions will be held IN-PERSON on both Saturday, April 20th, and Sunday, April 21st, 2024, in the Earl V. Moore Music Buidling.
  • Pay the non-refundable $30 application fee. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on financial need (contact Engagement & Outreach Staff for more information).
  • Prepare specific audition materials based on your instrument as listed below.

ENSEMBLE PLACEMENTS
Based on the applicant’s audition, students will adhere to one of two schedules throughout the 2024-2025 season:

  • THOSE PLACED IN MAIZE WINDS: those placed in Maize will rehearse excluisvely with the Michigan Youth Symphonic Band each Sunday from 2:15 to 5:00 P.M. A full schedule can be found above.
  • THOSE PLACED IN BLUE WINDS: those placed in Blue will rehearse with the Michigan Youth Symphonic Band each Sunday from 3:30 to 5:00 P.M. They will start rehearsal earlier with the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra. A full schedule can be found above.

*NEW FOR 2024-2025: Woodwind, brass and percussion players auditioning for MYSB and MYSO will be placed in one of two groups: Maize or Blue. Wind & percussion players in Maize will rehearse / perform with our Michigan Youth Symphonic Band only. Wind & percussion players in Blue will rehearse / perform with both our Michigan Youth Symphonic Band and Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra. Schedules for both groups can be found on the MYSB and MYSO webpages. Final group placements are made by MYE Faculty. 

INDIVIDUAL AUDITION EXCERPTS
Click / download the excerpts from the links below that correspond to the instrument you will be auditioning on:

    ELIGIBILITY
    Students interested in the Michigan Youth Symphonic Band must be enrolled in grades 9 (nine) through 12 (twelve) for the 2024-2025 academic year. The Michigan Youth Symphonic Band is also open to students of exceptional ability enrolled in grade 8 (eight) for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra accepts students who perform the following instruments: Bass Clarinet, Bass Trombone, Bassoon, Clarinet, Euphonium, Flute, Horn, Oboe, Percussion, Piano, Piccolo, Saxophone (Alto), Saxophone (Baritone), Saxophone (Tenor), Trombone, Trumpet, and Tuba.

    For questions about applications, audition requirements, or the audition process, feel free to contact SMTD Engagement & Outreach Staff via email at [email protected].

    Tuition | Fees | Scholarships

    Updated for the 2024-2025 MYE Season

    Participant – $500.00
    Non-refundable application fee – $30

    A discounted tuition rate of $330.00 per additional ensemble is available for musicians who participate in multiple ensembles. This discount is applied to the ensemble of equal or lesser value.

    NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIP
    A limited number of need-based scholarships are available to families with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $100,000 or under in the previous calendar year, or with special circumstances due to the pandemic. To be considered you must upload your financial aid materials by the application deadline as part of your application. This includes:

    • Monthly Expenses
    • Previous Year’s Tax Return
    • Statement of Need

    REFUND POLICY
    Full refunds of MYE tuition are only available before the first regularly scheduled rehearsal of the current concert season. Those wishing to learn more about the MYE Refund Policy can do so by clicking here: SMTD Engagement and Outreach refund policy

    Contact Us

    Email at [email protected]
    Phone at (734) 936-2660

    The Engagement & Outreach Staff monitors emails / phone lines at the following times:

    • Monday – Friday, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. EST