Performance Opportunities for String Students

Year-Round
The Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra (DSMGSO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the sharing and performing of video game music. As a public charity, we provide free concerts to both elevate these beautiful pieces of music and to serve as a gateway to lifelong musical engagement. They are always looking for string players and other instruments to play in their Orchestra.
https://www.dsmgso.org/about/

February
At the end of February and March each year, the registration dates for the State Solo and Ensemble Festival are announced. This festival offers soloists, small ensembles, and orchestras the opportunity to perform in front of a judge and receive a score ranging from 1 to 5, with 1 being the highest rating. In 2025, the festival was held at Iowa State University in Ames. https://ihsma.org/solosmall-ensemble-festival/

August
Auditions for the Des Moines Symphony Academy are typically held at the end of August.
A reservation for an audition time must be made.
https://www.dmsymphony.org/education/youth-ensembles/

Des Moines Symphony Academy participants can enter the annual Concerto Competition to win a chance to play with the Des Moines Symphony or Youth Academy. https://www.dmsymphony.org/about/news/meet-this-year-s-youth-symphony-concerto-competition-winners/

September
The registration date for the All-State Orchestra is typically at the beginning of September. Students register to audition for the All-State Orchestra. Students are given excerpts from various pieces and are prepared to play them at an audition. This opportunity is for advanced high school players. Auditions typically take place at the end of October.
https://ihsma.org/all-state-music-festival/

October
MTNA Solo Competition
Iowa Music Teachers Association-Music Teachers National Association (IMTA-MTNA) has an annual solo competition for Junior and Senior String Players. Winners of the MTNA Performance Competitions are held in October 26-27 in Pella, Iowa. To learn more about competing, email your city representative.
https://iamta.org/district-and-state-auditions.php