The dyso Difference
Dedication... determination... diversity. These words have been synonymous with the Dekalb Youth Symphony Orchestra since its founding in Dekalb County, Georgia in 1967. In our 58th season this year, these words still exemplify the unique qualities that have set the oldest youth orchestra in metro Atlanta apart, and make it such a special group of student musicians and instructors. Please know, these words are more than a slogan. They are our mission!
DYSO is dedicated....
- to increasing its members knowledge and understanding of music.
- to expanding its members performance abilities.
- to enhancing its members creativity, critical thinking skills, and problem solving.
DYSO is determined....
- to create a safe and inclusive musical experience for all members.
- to make a positive impact in each member's life regardless of background.
- to open the door to future opportunities for all members.
DYSO is diverse....
- in its musical ideas and interpretations
- in its musical experiences and opportunities
- and most importantly in its members!
Come experience THE DYSO DIFFERENCE!
Sincerely,
Jon Carmack, Artistic Director/Conductor
Our instructors
Jon Carmack, Artistic Director/Conductor
Jon Carmack has over 15 years of teaching experience and is currently the orchestra director at the Dekalb School of the Arts where he teaches orchestra and piano. He is also the conductor of the Dekalb Youth Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble comprised of the top instrumental musicians in Dekalb County. Ensembles under his direction consistently earn superior ratings at performance evaluation and students frequently perform in youth orchestras along with participating in district honor orchestra and all-state. The DSA orchestra's recent highlights include: side-by-side concerts with the Dekalb Symphony, Agnes-Scott College Orchestra , and GCSU Orchestra. They have also performed at the 2023 and 2025 KSU Orchestra Invitational. As a performer, Carmack has performed extensively as a Horn player in ensembles such as the Atlanta Wind Symphony, Tara Winds, and Atlanta CV. He currently performs with North Georgia Winds. Some highlights of his performance career include: Rose Parade (twice), Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Midwest Clinic (2015 and 2021), GMEA In-Service Conference (5X), and the 75th commemoration of D-Day in Normandy, France in 2024. Mr. Carmack was the teacher of the year for Double Churches Middle School for the 2016-17 school year. Current leadership roles include: NGW Horn Section Leader and GMEA District 4 Orchestra Chair, and membership on the ASTA k-12 Committee. Carmack has also presented at numerous conferences over his career along with being a clinician and guest conductor. Jon holds degrees from Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State University. In his free time, Carmack can be found training for his next half marathon and spending time and traveling with his wife, Kaitlin who is a high school band director.
TBA
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our program
Rehearsals
Performances
Rehearsals
DYSO rehearses each week during the school year on Tuesday evenings and follows the academic calendar of Dekalb County School District. During these rehearsals, members rehearse advanced orchestral repertoire to present a polished and finished product!
Education
Performances
Rehearsals
Members receive music instruction during full rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, and small group practice. Sectional coaches are leading music educators, college professors, and professional players in the Atlanta metro area.
Performances
Performances
Performances
There are normally 3-4 regular season Concerts. Performances are typically held in some of the leading venues in the Dekalb county/Atlanta area. There are also Young People's Concerts held each spring semester for area elementary and middle school musicians. Some years, DYSO will also participate in regional orchestra festivals and competitions.