Perform with us!

Winter 2024 Orchestral Auditions

Auditions will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (and at other times by appointment). Please e-mail personnel@sammamishsymphony.org to arrange an audition.

The Sammamish Symphony Orchestra currently has openings in the following sections:

Strings:  Violin, Viola, Cello, Contrabass

Winds/Brass:  2nd Oboe, English Horn, 2nd Bassoon, Principal Horn, Section Horn, Principal Trombone, (Tenor), Section Trombone (Tenor), Bass Trombone

Piano

We also welcome auditions for our sub list in all sections as some concerts require additional players. 

Instrumental auditions consist of a prepared selection of the candidate’s choosing, orchestral excerpts (provided in advance), and a few scales of the principal’s and conductor’s choosing during the audition.

• String Instrument Auditions packets are available HERE.

• Winds/Brass Audition packets are available HERE.

• Piano audition packet is available HERE.

FROM OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR 

Welcome and thank you for your interest in joining the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra, one of the finest community ensembles in the region. 

The Sammamish Symphony is a vibrant group of individuals from all walks of life — from students to retirees, and everything in-between — with one binding passion: playing the best symphonic music in an atmosphere simultaneously informal and charged with excitement. While the orchestra has an immense group spirit binding it together, and many close friendships have flowered and flourished within it, our primary allegiance is that of any fine orchestra: to the music. We take our music-making seriously, and members are expected to help meet our goal of making every rehearsal a step forward towards the finished performance. We work hard, and we have a good time doing so. Every member is a vital constituent in our mission. We look forward to your contributions to the Sammamish Symphony's continued success. 

With all best wishes, 

Adam Stern 

Music Director and Conductor

Sammamish Symphony Orchestra 

 ABOUT US

The Sammamish Symphony Orchestra Association (SSOA) is an independent, nonprofit arts organization. We are governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of community leaders, members, and others within our community.   Adam Stern serves as Music Director / Conductor and is responsible for all programming, personnel, and maintenance and growth of our music standards. 

OUR VALUES 

Bring Your Whole Self to Our Symphony Orchestra! 

We are passionate about creating and maintaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity. Organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective are proven to be better. More importantly, creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can participate fully is the right thing to do.   

You are an integral part of the fabric of our organization – your contributions to the Symphony make us what we are.  We can consistently improve our musical experience (and that of our audience) by showing consideration and respect for each other, striving to meet our guidelines for rehearsal and performance etiquette.  This enables us to be highly accomplished, fun-loving, excellent musicians; both individually and collectively.    

MEMBERSHIP 

It is very important that the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra be an enjoyable experience for its members. Our Music Director / Conductor, the Board, and each of us as members work together to achieve the right balance between a fun and a productive working environment.

GENERAL INFORMATION 

Performances 

The orchestra typically performs five 2-concert series a year between September and June, as well as a Summer Pops series in August.  For our 2023-2024 season, we are performing five 1-concert series as we continue to rebuild to full strength after the pandemic shutdown(s).

Rehearsals 

Regular rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings during the regular season, from 7:15 – 9:45 pm.  

Season repertoire can be found HERE.

Rehearsal and performance schedules can be found HERE.

Attendance 

Regular attendance is expected, our dress rehearsal is mandatory attendance, and a maximum absence of 2 rehearsals per concert cycle is allowed. We understand that there may be times when you are sick or absent. We simply ask that you notify the principal of your section and the personnel manager as soon as you know you will be absent, preferably 24 – 48 hours in advance of rehearsal.  Send emails to personnel@sammamishsymphony.org  and include your name/instrument, date and reason for absence (if comfortable providing).  

Notice of vacations or other longer term reasons you will miss should also be communicated.  Please assist us by notifying us of absences especially any that will affect dress rehearsal or concert dates.

In addition to our general auditions, we invite anyone who might be interested in performing with us to send us an introductory e-mail message. We would be delighted to host you at a rehearsal and offer a complimentary pair of tickets to one of our concerts so that you can experience our organization and our music, and decide if you would like to schedule an audition.