Band Enrichment Opportunities
The Northwest Band is committed to providing students with opportunities to grow and excel beyond the band room. Band enrichment opportunities such as scholarships, summer music camps, honor camps, and workshops allow students to develop their skills, gain new experiences, and connect with fellow musicians. Whether you’re looking for ways to improve as a performer, explore new musical challenges, or receive financial support for your education, this page is your go-to resource. Check back regularly for updates, and visit this page to explore the latest opportunities available to our band students!
Community Programs
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The Des Moines Symphony Youth Symphony and Youth Wind Ensemble will be holding auditions for their 2025-26 season at the end of the month. These ensembles draw some of the best high school musicians from around central Iowa, providing a great way for students to meet dedicated musicians from across the area while improving their musical and leadership skills. These are great ensembles to be a part of, and you are strongly encouraged to check it out..
The Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestras consists of two high school ensembles, including the Youth Symphony, which is a full orchestra that rehearses on Mondays from 4:30-6:00 p.m. and the Youth Wind Ensemble, which is a band that rehearses on Mondays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Auditions are on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 26-27 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Temple for Performing Arts (1011 Locust in Des Moines). For these auditions, musicians are asked to have a short musical selection prepared that demonstrates their current ability level. Audition pieces do not need to be memorized or performed with accompaniment. These auditions generally last about two-three minutes and are scheduled by reservation. Auditioning musicians will not be asked for scales or sight-reading. For more information or to schedule an audition, please email Rachel Lowry, Youth Orchestras Manager, at academy@dmsymphony.org. The Symphony Academy also runs a jazz ensemble, which will hold auditions later in the year. Click here to learn more about the Des Moines Symphony Youth Ensembles.
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Sunday is the monthly jazz jam session, sponsored by the Community Jazz Center or CJC. This monthly event is held at The Cave DSM (1437 Walnut St in Des Moines) from 2-4 pm, and is a great opportunity for anyone who is developing their skills as a jazz improviser to meet and play with other jazz musicians from around the city. The event is free and open to anyone who wants to play or watch.