Join DYO

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Auditions

Auditions are held at the beginning of the school year with the Music Director. Auditions for mid-season applications may also be held at the discretion of the Music Director.

For more information, or to arrange an audition, contact Mr. Paul Otway at potway@dyomusic.com  

Please complete the application form below.

DYO Member Handbook 2025-2026

 

Click here to access DYO Handbook

Fees

The annual membership fee is due at the second rehearsal in September. Payment is preferred by e-transfer to president@dyomusic.com or by cheque. Payment through credit card can be made online. Cheques must be made payable to the Durham Youth Orchestra. E-transfers should include a message stating the full name of the orchestra member. Musicians entering the orchestra in the middle of the year are charged a pro-rated amount.

2025-26 Season:

  • $870 Standard fee: Includes a $175 income tax-deductible donation to the DYO and a total of 18 tickets valid for use at any of the three concerts this season.
  • $570 Juniors: Young musicians new to DYO, staying for half the rehearsal time, playing in limited repertoire. Includes an $87.50 income tax-deductible donation to DYO and a total of 18 tickets valid for use at any of the three concerts this season.
  • $250 Beginner’s ensemble: Our youngest group of musicians who are just beginning to play in an ensemble. Includes a $50 income tax-deductible donation to DYO. They rehearse for half an hour on Monday evenings. They are usually at RCM or Suzuki Level 1 and 2.

Families that have 2 or more members in the DYO will pay a reduced fee. Please contact the DYO Treasurer for more information.

Musicians who require a modified payment schedule or would like to request individual financial considerations should contact Jake Robinson, DYO Treasurer by email at treasurer@dyomusic.com and submit an application for assistance [ linked here ]. Each situation will require final approval by the DYO Board of Directors.

 

Click here to pay fees online using
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Application Form

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    Musical Background






    The Durham Youth Orchestra is an extremely important part of my life – not only have I had a huge amount of fun rehearsing and performing with the group, but I have learned a lot about myself and music.  Whether it’s in a classroom at Juilliard or on a concert stage in Japan, I often think of things I learned during my time with the DYO –  focus and discipline as well as a love of music that I will cherish forever!
    Meagan Turner

    Violinist/Violist, The Julliard School

    Joining the Durham Youth Orchestra was the best thing that I did while I was in high school. I always knew that I wanted to go to university to study classical music, with the dream of one day winning a position in a professional orchestra, but my high school was not able to offer the training and experience that I needed to achieve my goals. The Durham Youth Orchestra gave that to me, and much more. During my time in the DYO I had the opportunity to learn and perform many orchestral masterworks in an environment that was encouraging, fun, exciting and enriching. Under the kind and inspirational leadership of Director John Beaton and Assistant Director Paul Otway, I learned about many important aspects of playing in an orchestra, such as orchestral etiquette, performance practices, intonation, balance,… all of which is invaluable knowledge for anyone interested in pursuing a career in music. The connections I made during my time in the orchestra, both among the other musicians and with the professionals whom directed our sectionals, helped me to get introduced and acquainted with the musical community around me. I made many friends in the DYO who later became my colleagues in the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra and the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra. We very fortunate to have this wonderful training orchestra in our community, which greatly enriches the music education program in Durham Region. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
    Sarah Pollard

    4th yr Music Student, University of Toronto

    Each season with the DYO is full of new music, exciting challenges, and good friends.  The experiences it has catered have helped me grow both as a person and as a musician.  The most inspirational thing about being a part of the orchestra is experiencing the passion for music shared among the musicians and directors.  My time with the orchestra has helped cultivate a deeper appreciation for the value of hard work and the joy of performing music.
    Chris Zhang

    Biochemistry Student, McMaster University

    Rehearsals

    Full orchestra rehearsals for the 2025 / 26 season will be held from September to June on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Sinclair Secondary School on Taunton Rd. E just west of Anderson St. in Whitby.

    The first rehearsal will be held on Monday, September 8th, 2025 at Sinclair.

    Additional string rehearsals, and the occasional full orchestra rehearsal, are held on Saturday mornings from 10:30am-12:30pm at St. George’s Memorial Anglican Church, 51 Centre St. S. Oshawa.

    The orchestra performs best when all musicians are in attendance. Therefore, all members are expected to faithfully attend all rehearsals, masterclasses and concerts, unless prevented by a serious reasons (eg. illness or school exams). DYO member are expected to regularly include orchestra music in their daily practice routine at home to ensure that our performances are polished.