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CONGRATULATIONS on making the choice to apply for membership in the Spartan Youth Wind Symphony!

Follow these steps below to complete your application.

  1. Reference the below SYWS information.
  2. Read the Information form and confirm all dates and policies with your parent(s) or guardian.
  3. Please complete SYWS APPLICATION FORM by 11:59 PM on Friday, May 15, 2026.
  4. Pay the application fee ONLINE
  5. After completing the Application Form and submitting the Application Fee, you may submit your video audition recording. Go to the “Audition Criteria” found under the “How to Join” section for instructions on how to submit your video audition. Video auditions are due before 11:59PM on Friday, May 22, 2026.

SWYS Information

2026–2027 SEASON Information for Members

Open to the most outstanding Michigan high school instrumentalists (rising freshman, rising sophomore, rising
junior, and rising senior woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists), the Spartan Youth Wind Symphony
provides students the opportunity to rehearse in a unique university setting. Students will perform and interact
with peers from across our state and receive instruction from MSU College of Music faculty and graduate
students. They will enhance their skills as musicians and ensemble performers through the exploration of
advanced-level repertoire in an inspired rehearsal atmosphere. Each semester culminates in combined
performances with the MSU Wind Symphony, and the MSU Symphony Band.

• Annual tuition for participation in the 2026-2027 SYWS – $400
• Members of the 2025 MSBOA All-State Bands or Orchestra are eligible for a $100 discount off the tuition fee

Rehearsals are in the MSU Music Building, from 2:00–5:30 PM

ELEVEN Fall Sundays, 2026: August 30, Sept. 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15

TWELVE Spring Sundays, 2027: January 24, 31, Feb. 7, 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, April 4, 11, 18, 25

Sunday rehearsals will consist of a full ensemble rehearsal, instrument specific masterclass/section rehearsal
and a chamber (small group) ensemble rehearsal.

All Performances take place on the Michigan State University campus.

Sunday, November 22, 2026-3:00PM-in conjunction with the MSU Wind Symphony at the Wharton Center

Sunday, May 2, 2027 – 3:00 PM – In conjunction with the MSU Symphony Band at the Wharton Center

In addition to the Wind Symphony, the extensive SYWS Chamber Music Program provides the most
outstanding musicians the opportunity to perform with one of nine Honors Chamber Ensembles, including
brass and woodwind quintets, saxophone and tuba/euphonium quartets, flute choir, clarinet choir, brass choir, and percussion ensemble. The chamber ensembles are coached by MSU College of Music graduate
students and faculty and perform on a chamber recital at the end of each semester.

Fall Recital: Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 2:00pm

Spring Recital: Sunday, April 18, 2027 at 2:30pm

Commitment to the Spartan Youth Wind Symphony lasts two semesters (academic year) and attendance at all
rehearsals and performances is mandatory. The only exception to this requirement is a conflict with a school
music organization – members are expected to support his/her school music program.

MANDATORY – ALL
SYWS members must be present at the final TWO rehearsals before each concert.

QUESTIONS? If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to email Dana Sedatole at MUSIC.syws@msu.edu or visit the SYWS website.