frequently asked questions
I want to join! Where do I start?
Send an email to our Artistic Director, Martha Stoddard (marthastodd@gmail.com), expressing your interest in joining OCO and provide a brief musical background describing your performance experience.
Is there an audition?
The string audition process is very informal but we ask you to prepare 1-2 short excerpts from solo, chamber, and/or orchestral repertoire. Wind, Brass, and Percussion players are accepted by audition as vacancies occur. Interested players are encouraged to contact the Artistic Director to learn about vacancies and arrange an informal audition. Requirements are at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
When and where do you rehearse?
Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:45 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway, Oakland). Dress rehearsals are scheduled for Saturday mornings before each Sunday concert at the same location. It is important that players arrive 15 minutes early to secure parking and settle in for warm-up.
Should I show up unannounced to a rehearsal for the first time?
No, please arrange your first visit to us. Due to security and contact tracing concerns, we cannot welcome spontaneous drop-in visitors.
If you are interested in joining or observing the orchestra, please mail ahead of time so that we can welcome you.
Where and when are the concerts?
OCO typically performs four sets each season on Sunday afternoons at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland. Performance venues and times may vary so be sure to pay attention to the website and orchestra correspondence.
Are there fees to joining?
Yes. In order to continue free performances, rent rehearsal space, rent sheet music, and pay other essential budgetary items, the orchestra requires its members to provide a fee of $84 per set for Oakland residents, $100 per set for non-Oakland residents and $76 for seniors and students. Financial assistance is available, please contact the Artistic Director for more information. All participants must enroll through the City of Oakland registration portal: https://cityofoakland.perfectmind.com/
What is the attendance policy?
We provide the full rehearsal schedule to members at the beginning of each season. Because OCO presents public concerts and strives to maintain a high performance standard, regular attendance is essential and is expected of all members. Recognizing that some absences are unavoidable, we ask all members to commit to missing no more than two rehearsals per set. If you need to miss more than two rehearsals, please contact the Artistic Director to discuss options for participation. Wind and Brass players needing to miss rehearsals should make reasonable efforts to arrange for coverage of all parts, preferably from within the membership. Regardless of instrument, all players should report their absences in advance to their section leaders and the Artistic Director.
Do I need to provide my own sheet music?
Yes, you will need to print the sheet music from the website's Member Portal where links to sheet music will be posted and maintained.
Do I need to bring a music stand to rehearsal?
A few music stands are available on a first-come-first-serve basis at the church. However, there are not enough to supply the entire orchestra. We ask members to bring their own stands whenever possible.
What do I bring to my first rehearsal?
Your instrument, sheet music and music stand. Battery-powered stand light is optional.
How is seating decided?
OCO practices rotating seating to encourage growth in all players. All seating assignments are made at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
What is the concert attire?
All black (black pants/skirt and black shirt/top). White shirts with long, dark ties, and a black jacket are also acceptable. Tuxedos are not recommended.
Does OCO have chamber groups?
Yes, musicians of OCO regularly partner up with each other to perform in various chamber groups. Feel free to express your interest with those involved at rehearsal, and read about Opus Oakland in the Chamber tab.
Do you have a member handbook for more information?
Yes, refer to this Member Handbook.
Send an email to our Artistic Director, Martha Stoddard (marthastodd@gmail.com), expressing your interest in joining OCO and provide a brief musical background describing your performance experience.
Is there an audition?
The string audition process is very informal but we ask you to prepare 1-2 short excerpts from solo, chamber, and/or orchestral repertoire. Wind, Brass, and Percussion players are accepted by audition as vacancies occur. Interested players are encouraged to contact the Artistic Director to learn about vacancies and arrange an informal audition. Requirements are at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
When and where do you rehearse?
Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:45 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway, Oakland). Dress rehearsals are scheduled for Saturday mornings before each Sunday concert at the same location. It is important that players arrive 15 minutes early to secure parking and settle in for warm-up.
Should I show up unannounced to a rehearsal for the first time?
No, please arrange your first visit to us. Due to security and contact tracing concerns, we cannot welcome spontaneous drop-in visitors.
If you are interested in joining or observing the orchestra, please mail ahead of time so that we can welcome you.
Where and when are the concerts?
OCO typically performs four sets each season on Sunday afternoons at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland. Performance venues and times may vary so be sure to pay attention to the website and orchestra correspondence.
Are there fees to joining?
Yes. In order to continue free performances, rent rehearsal space, rent sheet music, and pay other essential budgetary items, the orchestra requires its members to provide a fee of $84 per set for Oakland residents, $100 per set for non-Oakland residents and $76 for seniors and students. Financial assistance is available, please contact the Artistic Director for more information. All participants must enroll through the City of Oakland registration portal: https://cityofoakland.perfectmind.com/
What is the attendance policy?
We provide the full rehearsal schedule to members at the beginning of each season. Because OCO presents public concerts and strives to maintain a high performance standard, regular attendance is essential and is expected of all members. Recognizing that some absences are unavoidable, we ask all members to commit to missing no more than two rehearsals per set. If you need to miss more than two rehearsals, please contact the Artistic Director to discuss options for participation. Wind and Brass players needing to miss rehearsals should make reasonable efforts to arrange for coverage of all parts, preferably from within the membership. Regardless of instrument, all players should report their absences in advance to their section leaders and the Artistic Director.
Do I need to provide my own sheet music?
Yes, you will need to print the sheet music from the website's Member Portal where links to sheet music will be posted and maintained.
Do I need to bring a music stand to rehearsal?
A few music stands are available on a first-come-first-serve basis at the church. However, there are not enough to supply the entire orchestra. We ask members to bring their own stands whenever possible.
What do I bring to my first rehearsal?
Your instrument, sheet music and music stand. Battery-powered stand light is optional.
How is seating decided?
OCO practices rotating seating to encourage growth in all players. All seating assignments are made at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
What is the concert attire?
All black (black pants/skirt and black shirt/top). White shirts with long, dark ties, and a black jacket are also acceptable. Tuxedos are not recommended.
Does OCO have chamber groups?
Yes, musicians of OCO regularly partner up with each other to perform in various chamber groups. Feel free to express your interest with those involved at rehearsal, and read about Opus Oakland in the Chamber tab.
Do you have a member handbook for more information?
Yes, refer to this Member Handbook.
