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 Audition Now

Call (818) 249-1285 for an appointment.

Ginny Atherton, Music Director

 Membership is open to students in elementary, middle and high school who play orchestral instruments and who are studying with a private teacher. Based upon your audition, you may be assigned to either the morning (Pathfinder) or afternoon (Pioneer) orchestra. Pathfinders have sectionals and ensembles, theory class and orchestra. Pioneers meet for orchestra and chamber music. Exceptional musicians will be invited to play with the Junior Symphony Chamber Players. Concerts are held at Plummer Park and in venues throughout Los Angeles County. A favorite tradition is the annual Side-By-Side reading rehearsal with teachers, parents and alumni playing with us followed by an International Potluck.

Rehearsals are Saturdays in Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood.

If you have no teacher and need assistance finding one or need financial aid in order to pay for lessons, we may be able to help you in that quest. If this is the case, please call immediately!

Prepare two contrasting selections to demonstrate variety of key signature, meter, tempo and style. Know what key(s) your pieces are in and be able to play those scales. We will ask you to sightread material from repertoire recently performed by our musicians, chosen after we become acquainted with your skills. You will be observed for your approach to new music and for your ability to accept instruction.

Print and bring your completed application form, including your private and school music teachers' signatures. Have back-up strings or reeds. Bring copies of your audition solos even if you are playing from memory. A parent must attend the audition with you. Remember to practice carefuily on the morning of your audition, so we will hear you at your best!

Consider what kind of commitment you are prepared to make to be part of our team. Every musician counts at every rehearsal. You will be asked to commit to the full season, and can only be excused for school or religious functions that you can tell us about at the beginning of each Session. Perfect attendance awards do not recognize excused absences.

Dues for the orchestras are $100 for each of the four sessions (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer) and are payable at your first rehearsal of each session. If you elect to pay monthly, dues are $35/month (regardless of the number of weeks), due at the first rehearsal of the month Students whose accounts are currently up-to date and have no unexcused absences will be eligible for special prices for masterclasses and for free ticket opportunities as they arise.

A non-refundable audition fee of $25 is due with your application, prior to playing your audition.