Each year, the Dexter Community Orchestra hosts a Youth Orchestra Competition with the goal of supporting and promoting talented young musicians in our community. By recognizing these musicians, the DCO strives to offer a platform where talented young individuals can showcase their talents as they develop into the next generation of performers. The winner has the opportunity to perform a concerto with a full orchestra, and will be recognized with a prize amount of $500. 

The competition is open to all piano, band, orchestra, and vocal students in grades 6 through 12 who reside in or attend school in any of the following Michigan counties: Washtenaw, Oakland, Wayne, Monroe, Lenawee, Jackson, Livingston, and Ingham. Past winners are ineligible. 

Here are the dates for 2027: 

Applications must be submitted no later than February 6, 2027 (but we’ll probably extend till 13th so we can allow for the long weekend)

• Judging completed March 13, 2027. An optional Zoom meeting with judges March 14.

• Finalists notified: March 14 via email

• The finals will take place on either the weekend of April 3/4 or 10/11, 2027 (TBD). Winner will be determined that day via email.