The DSO also strives to instill and nurture in its members a love of playing orchestral music, as well as a respect for the process of developing the skills necessary for good orchestral playing. The orchestra is comprised primarily of Dartmouth undergraduates, although the orchestra's roster includes graduate students and community members. Undergraduates are given primary consideration in decisions concerning orchestra membership and seating, followed by Dartmouth graduate students, faculty, staff, and community players. Auditions last between 5 and 10 minutes. Decisions regarding membership are made within the context of the orchestra's current personnel needs, the relationship of the player's ability to the median technical level of the orchestra's players, and the player's comportment during the audition.
Auditions are for new members only.
All personnel decisions are made by the conductor. The regular rehearsal schedule for the DSO is Mondays and Thursdays from 7 to 9pm. A number of Thursdays are devoted to sectional rehearsals. The rehearsal schedule is expanded during concert week. The DSO performs one full program during the Fall, Winter and Spring Terms.