oakland civic orchestra audition policy
OAKLAND CIVIC ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS
The Oakland Civic Orchestra maintains a high performance standard and has a large roster of accomplished volunteer musicians. Many have professional level training and experience but chose careers in other fields. Others are dedicated amateurs whose skills are deepened through regular participation in orchestral and chamber music activities. At the core of our ensemble are a spirit of collaboration, growth mindset and a positive attitude. We strive to create an inclusive and encouraging environment for music making at the highest level possible.
Oakland Civic Orchestra invites qualified musicians to audition for chairs as vacancies occur. A preliminary screening interview is necessary to discuss the nature of successful participation in the Oakland Civic Orchestra and an informal audition is required to demonstrate musical skills. Current vacancies are posted on the website and shared on social media. Audition requirements will be shared with prospective members. Interested musicians should send an e-mail to [email protected].
Auditions for principal or co-principal chairs will take place as vacancies occur. Current section players who aspire to serve as principal or co-principal status may request an audition to be considered for these roles as they arise. Auditions will be held in person for the Artistic Director and a designated players’ committee.
WAITLIST & SUBSTITUTE LIST
The orchestra is currently near capacity enrollment. However, we do maintain an active waitlist as unexpected vacancies often occur during the season. We always encourage musicians to inquire and give us a chance to get to know you. To be considered for the waitlist, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. In it, please introduce yourself and describe the role music plays in your life. Tell us a little about your musical background and your ability to regularly participate in a community musical organization. We may request a short video sample from you as well, to document your inquiry in the event of a vacancy mid-season.
Strings
String inquiries are reviewed as they are received. If you would like to be considered for current or future membership, please submit an inquiry at any time. If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Artistic Director.
Woodwinds and Brass
There are no permanent vacancies at this time. We invite qualified players to submit a written request to be placed on our substitute and audition waitlist.
Timpani/Percussion
We often need additional percussion, depending on the current repertoire. Interested persons are encouraged to inquire prior to each concert set.
Harp/Piano
Our harpists and pianists are usually engaged on a set by set basis. We currently do not have players in permanent chairs on these instruments. If you are an advanced harpist or pianist seeking regular orchestral opportunities, please inquire.
CURRENT VACANCIES
Please see listing here.
The Oakland Civic Orchestra maintains a high performance standard and has a large roster of accomplished volunteer musicians. Many have professional level training and experience but chose careers in other fields. Others are dedicated amateurs whose skills are deepened through regular participation in orchestral and chamber music activities. At the core of our ensemble are a spirit of collaboration, growth mindset and a positive attitude. We strive to create an inclusive and encouraging environment for music making at the highest level possible.
Oakland Civic Orchestra invites qualified musicians to audition for chairs as vacancies occur. A preliminary screening interview is necessary to discuss the nature of successful participation in the Oakland Civic Orchestra and an informal audition is required to demonstrate musical skills. Current vacancies are posted on the website and shared on social media. Audition requirements will be shared with prospective members. Interested musicians should send an e-mail to [email protected].
Auditions for principal or co-principal chairs will take place as vacancies occur. Current section players who aspire to serve as principal or co-principal status may request an audition to be considered for these roles as they arise. Auditions will be held in person for the Artistic Director and a designated players’ committee.
WAITLIST & SUBSTITUTE LIST
The orchestra is currently near capacity enrollment. However, we do maintain an active waitlist as unexpected vacancies often occur during the season. We always encourage musicians to inquire and give us a chance to get to know you. To be considered for the waitlist, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. In it, please introduce yourself and describe the role music plays in your life. Tell us a little about your musical background and your ability to regularly participate in a community musical organization. We may request a short video sample from you as well, to document your inquiry in the event of a vacancy mid-season.
Strings
String inquiries are reviewed as they are received. If you would like to be considered for current or future membership, please submit an inquiry at any time. If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Artistic Director.
Woodwinds and Brass
There are no permanent vacancies at this time. We invite qualified players to submit a written request to be placed on our substitute and audition waitlist.
Timpani/Percussion
We often need additional percussion, depending on the current repertoire. Interested persons are encouraged to inquire prior to each concert set.
Harp/Piano
Our harpists and pianists are usually engaged on a set by set basis. We currently do not have players in permanent chairs on these instruments. If you are an advanced harpist or pianist seeking regular orchestral opportunities, please inquire.
CURRENT VACANCIES
Please see listing here.
additional rehearsal information
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.
2024-2025 Session Dates
Session 1: August 14, 2024 - October 13, 2024 (Dress Rehearsal: October 12 @ 9am-1pm; Concert October 13 @ 1pm-5pm, performance at 3 pm).
Session 2: October 30, 2024 - February 2, 2025 (Dress Rehearsal: February 1 @ 9am-1pm; Concert: February 2 @ 1:30pm-6pm, performance at 4 pm).
Session 3: February 19, 2025 - April 27, 2025 (Dress Rehearsal: April 26 @ 9am-1pm; Concert: April 27 @ 1:30pm-6pm, performance at 4 pm).
**Please note that the above information is tentative and is superseded by information in correspondence from the OCO Artistic Director and OCOA Board.
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 email 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.
