Joining the Orchestra

 Youth Musicians
Adult Musicians
Rehearsal and Concert Schedule

Pontiac Bay is a unique opportunity for accomplished youth and adult musicians to work side-by-side in an orchestra and perform together in public concerts. It is also an opportunity for music teachers to participate in an orchestra with their students, and even for musicians to participate with a son or daughter.

The orchestra specifically provides a performance and mentoring program for accomplished youth musicians, ages 12 through 18, and college students as well, where they perform in large public concerts, experience orchestral music other than traditional concert repertoire, and work with adult musicians. 

The youth participants are strong intermediate and advanced players, and the adult participants include professional musicians, music teachers, and members of other orchestras.

Auditions – Auditions are held each year in July and August for participation in the upcoming concert season. The orchestra program is free and placement is for the full concert season. Auditions are also held year-round, by appointment, and interested individuals can also be placed on a waiting list.

Interested youth should be strong intermediate level and higher, and interested adults need to be proficient musicians in order to mentor the youth participants.

Concert Season – The concert season coincides with the school year and consists of three concerts a year (December, March, and June). Each concert generally follows an 8 to 10-week rehearsal cycle, and rehearsals are on Saturday mornings at Sand Point Magnuson Park.

Concerts for the 2008–2009 season will take place early Sunday evening, and are usually an hour and a half long.

Concert Venue – The venue for the 2008–2009 Concert Season is McEachern Auditorium at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). See Venue and Concert Season for details.

Youth Musicians

Youths who want to participate in the orchestra program need to fill out an Application and then complete an interview and audition. Youths should also be strong intermediate and advanced-level musicians. Upon acceptance, placement is for the entire concert season. 

The adult musicians in each section assist the youth participants during the rehearsals and are also available by email and phone to answer questions.

All youths in the orchestra can reapply at the end of a season for an upcoming season. When there is a waiting list, the goal will be to accommodate current participants who want to renew, as well as those who are applying for the first time and have passed the audition.

Rehearsals – Rehearsals for the 2008–2009 Concert Season are at Sand Point Magnuson Park. The park is located on the west side of Lake Washington, a few miles northeast of the University of Washington. Free parking is available adjacent to the rehearsal location.

Dress Rehearsals, Concert Warm-Ups, and Concerts – Concerts are held early Sunday evening and are preceded by a short orchestra warm-up. The dress rehearsals are held at the venue on Saturday, the day before the concert. The venue for the 2008–2009 Concert Season is McEachern Auditorium at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). See  Venue and Concert Season for details. 

Application for Joining – To be considered for the orchestra, print out and complete the Application form and mail it to PBSO. The mailing address is: Pontiac Bay Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 27307, Seattle, WA 98165-1807. After the application is received, you will be contacted by phone to arrange an interview and audition.

Auditions: Auditions can be arranged year-round by appointment. Scheduled auditions and interviews for the full orchestra are held annually in July and August.

For more information, please call 206-364-0907.

Adult Musicians

The adult participants in the orchestra are selected based on their commitment and ability to work with young musicians in a coaching and mentoring relationship during the rehearsal cycles, and assist them in preparing for the concert performances. Youths in the program are strong intermediate and advanced level, so interested adults need to be proficient musicians in order to mentor them.

Adult musicians who are interested are asked to commit to the full concert season, including the rehearsal dates. This is important in order for the mentoring part of the program to work. At the end of the concert season, adult participants can also renew their participation for the upcoming season.

Adults who are interested in participating need to complete an Application form and be interviewed. An audition may also be requested.

Rehearsals – Rehearsals for the 2008–2009 Concert Season are at Sand Point Magnuson Park. The park is located on the west side of Lake Washington, a few miles northeast of the University of Washington. Free parking is available adjacent to the rehearsal location.

Dress Rehearsals, Concert Warm-Ups, and Concerts – Concerts are held early Sunday evening and are preceded by a short orchestra warm-up. The dress rehearsals are held at the venue on Saturday, the day before the concert. The venue for the 2008–2009 Concert Season is McEachern Auditorium at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). See  Venue and Concert Season for details. 

Application for Joining – To be considered for the orchestra, print out and complete the Application form and mail it to PBSO. The mailing address is: Pontiac Bay Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 27307, Seattle, WA 98165-1807. After the application is received, you will be contacted by phone to arrange an interview and audition.

Auditions: Auditions can be arranged year-round by appointment. Scheduled auditions and interviews for the full orchestra are held annually in July and August.

For more information, please call 206-364-0907.

Rehearsal and Concert Schedule

The concert season consists of three concerts a year (December, March, and June). Concerts in the 2008–2009 season will take place early Sunday evening, and each concert generally follows an 8 to10-week rehearsal cycle.

Sand Point Magnuson Park – Rehearsals for the 2008–2009 Concert Season take place at Sand Point Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, on Saturday mornings. The park is located on the west side of Lake Washington, a few miles northeast of the University of Washington, and free parking is available adjacent to the rehearsal location.

Dress Rehearsals, Concert Warm-Ups, and Concerts – Concerts are held early Sunday evening and are preceded by a short orchestra warm-up. The dress rehearsals are held at the venue on Saturday, the day before the concert. Exact times are confirmed during each concert cycle. 

The venue for the 2008–2009 Concert Season is McEachern Auditorium at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). See Venue and Concert Season for details.

2008–2009 Concert Season Schedule

Concert I

The sectional date for each concert cycle will be confirmed at the start of that cycle.

 Note: No rehearsal Thanksgiving weekend.

Concert II

 Note: One of the rehearsal dates in February may be dropped.

  Concert III

 Note: No rehearsal Memorial Day weekend.