Michigan Youth Symphonic Band
Updated May 18, 2026
Make-Up Application Deadline: July 6, 2026
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
(5/18/26) Make-Up Auditions Available
Information on Make-Up Auditions is now available! See the Auditions & Eligibility section below for more information.
Rehearsal Information
Time: Sundays, 2:15-5:00 pm
Location: Kevreson Rehearsal Hall
E. V. Moore Music Building
(U-M North Campus, 1100 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
All rehearsals / events will take place at this regular time and location unless otherwise noted.
MYSB Season Schedule
Select the link below for next season’s schedule. NOTE: A final 2026-2027 season schedule will be sent to students upon acceptance into the MYE program following auditions.
Instructors
Conductor / Faculty Director – Courtney Snyder
Associate Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music
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
*Make-Up Application Deadline: July 6, 2026
Make-Up Live Auditions: July 11, 2026
Michigan Youth Symphonic Band Audition Requirements
Students must submit a Michigan Youth Ensembles application and pay a non-refundable $30 application fee before their audition date. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on financial need (please view financial aid information below). Be sure to select your audition time after you submit your MYE application.
Select your instrument below for full details on your specific instrument’s audition requirements. Be sure to read all information for your instrument carefully. If you have any questions about audition requirements, please contact SMTD’s Office of Engagement & Outreach at [email protected].
*The following instruments are eligible for make-up auditions:
Early Decision for Make-Up Auditions
Students have the option of auditioning in-person, or submitting an application with a video recording of all required materials in lieu of an in-person audition. Those who submit a video audition with all required audition materials will receive a decision on their admission within one week of submitting their application.
Ensemble Placements
Based on the applicant’s audition, students will adhere to one of two schedules throughout the 2026-2027 season:
- Those placed in MAIZE WINDS will rehearse exclusively with the Michigan Youth Symphonic Band each Sunday from 2:15 to 5:00 pm. A full schedule can be found above.
- Those placed in BLUE WINDS will rehearse with the Michigan Youth Symphonic Band each Sunday from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. They will start rehearsal earlier with the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra. A full schedule can be found above.
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.
Eligibility
Students interested in the Michigan Youth Symphonic Band must be enrolled in grades 9 (nine) through 12 (twelve) for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Michigan Youth Symphonic Band is also open to students of exceptional ability enrolled in grade 8 (eight) for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra accepts students who perform the following instruments: Bass Clarinet, Bass Trombone, Bassoon, Clarinet, Euphonium, Flute, Harp, Horn, Oboe, Percussion, Piano, Piccolo, Saxophone (Alto), Saxophone (Baritone), Saxophone (Soprano), 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 2026-27 MYE Season
- Participant – $545
- Non-refundable application fee – $30
A discounted tuition rate of $375.00 per additional ensemble is available for musicians who participate in multiple ensembles. This discount is applied to the ensemble of equal or lesser value.
Refund Policy
Full refunds of MYE tuition are only available before the first regularly scheduled rehearsal of the current concert season. Find full details: SMTD Engagement and Outreach Refund Policy
Application Fee Waiver
Review the qualifications and the documentation you will need to provide here: How can I apply for a fee waiver for my application? Qualified students/families will reach out to the Acceptd Support team to request a waiver code to waive the $30 application fee. Fill out this fee waiver form to request a code.
Need-based Scholarship
A limited number of need-informed scholarships are available to families with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $125,000 or under in the previous calendar year, or with special circumstances. 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
The William E. Root Engagement & Outreach Fund supports SMTD’s Engagement & Outreach Programs, with a preference for scholarships for participants in the Michigan Youth Ensembles. This fund allows us to fully support multiple students each MYE season.
Contact Us
Office of Engagement & Outreach-Youth & Adult Programs
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
Stearns Building │ 2005 Baits Drive │ Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: 734-936-2660
Email: [email protected]
Emails and phone lines are monitored at the following times
Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm EST