The Orchestra of Southern Utah is a leading community orchestra at a semi-professional level. We welcome musicians ages 14 and up from intermediate to advanced levels. OSU Musicians volunteer their services, agree to attend all Thursday rehearsals, at least one sectional per concert, and each dress rehearsal and concert for the entire season. There are 7 concerts (2 October, November, 2 December, February, April) which are held at the Heritage Center Theater in Cedar City, Utah. Other volunteer opportunities to perform may come available, such as the Fall Recitals or Summer Concert Series. Other volunteer opportunities to support the orchestra are also available.

Audition Dates: July 10th & 11th

* New Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion

* Returning and New Strings

Audition and Musician Protocols & Procedures

Auditions for new members are held annually during the month of July prior to the first rehearsal. Audition materials can be found on the website. Auditions are adjudicated by the Conductor/Musical Director and a select panel. Choices made as a result of these auditions are not open for dispute and cannot be challenged.

If a musician opts out of performing with OSU or fails to fulfill the terms in the musician agreement, the conductor, section leader or orchestra manager can choose to remove them from the orchestra. A position will then open up and become available to those on the substitute list. Those not selected will be placed on a substitute list.

Current Year Open Auditions:

August 2024 - May 2025

What to Do:

- Indicate your intention to audition by submitting this online application

- Schedule your audition through our website link.

- Download the appropriate audition music excerpts.

- Read through the audition performance requirements carefully and prepare accordingly. The audition panel may request all or some of the items in the audition materials, please come prepared to perform any of the specifications listed.

Section Leaders & Seating:

As we are a community orchestra, seating and placement is based on balance, and scoring needs. Positions are chosen and offered at the discretion of the Music Director/Conductor and Orchestra Manager.

Following auditions, the Music Director/Conductor and Manager will offer Section Leader positions to those chosen for the positions. They must have previously served at least one full season with the orchestra.

Musician Responsibilities:

* You are expected to attend all rehearsals and arrive at least five minutes early to warm up.

* If there is an emergency and you cannot attend, please alert your section leader prior to rehearsal.

* Any musician with solo parts should find a substitute and make sure this person has the appropriate music, if attendance is impossible for a rehearsal or performance.

Each orchestra musician will receive one complimentary ticket per concert (value $12). We would appreciate it if you can find two paying guests per concert or find two people to buy season tickets ($45, available at www.myosu.org).

In addition, you have an option for the per concert stipend. We can’t possibly pay you what you are worth, but we want to recognize your dedication to OSU. This is only available to those that attend every rehearsal and fill out and submit their musician agreement.

Section Leader Responsibilities:

Lead by example in being on time and prepared for rehearsals
Conduct a sectional once per concert
Ensure that all parts are covered for each concert
Attend Section Leader meetings as needed
Communicate with Music Director/Conductors and Manager

Section Capacity Levels: (dependent on piece requirements)

OSU seeks a balance of instruments throughout each section. These capacity levels are at the capacity of the orchestra.

Flute-2

Oboe-2

Clarinet-2

Bassoon-2

Horn in F- 4

Trumpet- 3

Trombone-3

Tuba-1

Percussion- as many as needed, minimum 2.

Violin 1 & 2- 26 (14,12)

Viola- 10

Cello- 10

Bass- 5