
The Olympia Symphony is pleased to be accepting applicants for our 2023-2024 season auditions in the following sections/positions:
Woodwinds - Saturday, July 8, 2023
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Oboe 2
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Clarinet 2
Strings - Monday, June 19, 2023
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Associate Concertmaster (2nd chair)
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Assistant Concertmaster (3rd chair)
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Violin 1 Section (1 position)
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Violin 2 Section (2 positions)
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Principal Bass
Brass - Sunday, June 11, 2023
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Principal Trumpet
AUDITION PROCESS
First round - online form and audio recording of solo piece of choice without accompaniment*
Second round+ - live auditions (orchestral excerpts and sight reading)
Third round+ - live audition (orchestral excerpts)
Appointments will be evaluated after a one season trial and interview.
*Associate and Assistant Concertmasters will need to provide an audio recording of a concerto of choice (first movement with cadenza)
+Second and third rounds will occur the same day, and be conducted anonymously behind a screen
AUDITION EXCERPTS
Click/tap tabs below to view audition repertoire
FIRST ROUND:
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audio recording of a solo piece of your own choice
SECOND ROUND:
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MAHLER: Symphony 5. Movement I - opening to 6 after rehearsal 1
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GERSHWIN: An American in Paris - 4 before rehearsal 46 to 2 measures before rehearsal 47
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Sight reading might be requested
THIRD ROUND:
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STRAVINSKY: Petrushka (1947) - 1 before rehearsal 134 to rehearsal 139
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R. STRAUSS: Don Juan - 4 after rehearsal F to 3 before rehearsal G
Appointments will be evaluated after a one season trial and interview.
AUDITION DATES/TIMES/DEADLINES
Woodwinds
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Audition date: Saturday July 8, 2023 (time TBD - all day)
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Online form and audio recording deadline: Friday June 23, 2023 @ 5 pm PT
Strings
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Audition date: Monday June 19, 2023 (time TBD - all day)
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Online form and audio recording deadline: Friday June 2, 2023 @ 5 pm PT
Brass
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Audition date: Sunday June 11, 2023 (time TBD - late afternoon/evening)
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Online form and audio recording deadline: Friday May 26, 2023 @ 5 pm PT
AUDITION LOCATION
6335 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98512
TO APPLY
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Complete the online form (below)
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Email the audio recording of your solo piece of choice (without accompaniment) to personnel@olympiasymphony.org by 5 pm PT on or before the above stated deadlines for the position(s) you are auditioning for.
Note: limited audition slots are available and may be filled before the deadline.
Please wait to receive confirmation of your audition before making travel plans. Invitations will be sent by email, typically within one week of the online form/audio recording deadline.
All questions regarding the audition must be directed to the Orchestra Manager only. The preferred method of contact is by email personnel@olympiasymphony.org.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Below are the proposed performance dates for the 2023-2024 season.
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Saturday, September 16, 2023 @ 8 pm*
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Sunday, October 15, 2023 @ 3pm
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Sunday, November 12, 2023 @ 3pm*
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Sunday, December 31, 2023 @ 3 pm and 7 pm*
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Sunday, February 4, 2024 @ 3pm
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Sunday, March 17, 2024 @ 3pm
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Sunday April 21, 2024 @ 3pm
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Saturday, May 4, 2024 @ TBC*
*non-subscription concerts
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Olympia Symphony generally rehearses on a semi-condensed schedule (with some exceptions), W/M/W/Sa/Su, beginning 1.5 weeks prior to concerts, with weekday rehearsals running 7-9:30 pm, Saturday rehearsals running 3-5:30 pm, and Sunday (day-of concert) rehearsals running 10-12:30 pm.
SERVICE RATES
The compensation policy and the rate(s) of compensation are set by the OSO Board of Directors through their annual budgetary process. Mileage reimbursement is available for musicians driving 50-100 mi round trip per service ($0.225/mile).
Associate Concertmaster - $62.31*
Assistant Concertmaster - $47.77*
Principal - $62.31*
Section - $41.54*
*2022-2023 rates; increases subject to 2023-2024 budget approval
GENERAL INFORMATION
Members of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra contribute to the achievement of the organization’s mission by fulfilling core expectations set by the Music Director regarding artistry, decorum, and attendance.
Membership in the Olympia Symphony Orchestra is based on a season commitment, and the signing of an employee agreement. Prior to each season, Orchestra members in good standing from the previous season are invited to commit to fill their prior positions in the complement of the Orchestra for the subsequent season. Remaining vacancies in the Orchestra's complement will be filled by audition, one year appointments, or by substitute musicians. If a position is won by a current OSO musician, the respective vacated position may be offered to the runner-up from the audition process.
Musicians are employees of the Orchestra, and as such, are eligible to accrue paid family and medical leave. Employees are required to provide proof of authority to work in the United States (per the US Immigration and Nationality Act). To remain in good standing, musicians can miss up to one service per cycle, and one cycle per season.
Inquiries are welcomed at any time for any instrument. Please email personnel@olympiasymphony.org and you will be contacted if a need arises during the season, with a request for an audio recording.