The Diablo Wind Symphony announces audition opportunities for wind and percussion players between the ages of 14 and 22. Students are required to be in their school music programs unless there is no organized program or are home-schooled. Information about the DWS can be at diablowindsymphony.org. The online audition form is available at this website. Auditions are scheduled individually through this online form.
The DWS was started in the 1995 with the sponsorship of the Blue Devils. The group is now co-sponsored by Saint Mary’s College in Moraga. Membership is by audition and members must be between the ages of 14 and 22, be actively involved in their school music program, and display a high quality of musicianship to be accepted. The DWS is a set instrumentation so openings depend on available spots. Tuition is $450 for high school students and $300 for college students. There are limited scholarships available.
The season runs from September to May, and includes prominent guest artists for each concert. The group is co-conducted by John Maltester (Los Medanos College Director of Bands Emeritus and Saint Mary’s College faculty) and Diane Maltester (faculty member of CSUEB, Saint Mary’s College, and Los Medanos College).