Playing for the Philharmonic

Being a musician in the Philharmonic is more than rehearsing and playing music; it is an entry into one of the longest-running and highest-caliber community orchestras in the Puget Sound Region. Our members are from all backgrounds — teachers, students, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and artists — with one common vision: to share the joy of creating music with our community.

Our season runs from September until June, during which we perform four subscription concerts at Benaroya Hall on Saturday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. Rehearsals are every Wednesday evening from 7:15 until 9:45 pm and are usually held at Shorecrest High School in Seattle.

In addition to performing masterpieces from the standard repertoire, we are devoted to playing important works (often by women composers) that have been passed over by other orchestras and conductors. We strongly believe that surfacing and highlighting these pieces enriches both our membership and the community we serve.

Auditioning

While general auditions were held in late August, we are continuing to seek and audition talented musicians throughout the current season. Auditions are held with Music Director Adam Stern, our personnel manager, and a committee of 5-10 section principals. The orchestra also holds ad-hoc auditions throughout the season for sections with more pressing needs.

Audition requirements consist of scales, orchestral excerpts, and a solo work or etude. Even though the Philharmonic is a volunteer orchestra, we maintain a high bar of musicianship and dedication, so our auditions are fairly competitive.

To request an audition, email us at auditions@seattlephil.org. In your message, please include your name, instrument, email address, phone number, and some details about your musical background. We also welcome interested players to sit in on a rehearsal to meet our members and learn more about our organization.

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Photograph by Jill Harvey

Current Openings

Principal Positions

  • None at this time

Section Positions

  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Double Bass
  • English Horn (+ Oboe)
  • Bass Clarinet (+ Clarinet)
  • Trumpet
  • Keyboard

Note: The Seattle Philharmonic is a volunteer orchestra and positions in the orchestra are unpaid.

Requirements for Permanent String and Wind Player Positions

  • Three scales: Major, minor and chromatic.

    • Strings: Play 3-octave scales of your choice. Perform each scale at a slow tempo, 1-2 notes per bow, and at a faster tempo with 6-12 notes per bow.

    • Winds: Play 2- or 2.5-octave scales of your choice. Play each scale with a slow legato followed by a fast staccato.

  • A representative Sonata or Concerto for your instrument, 3-5 minutes in length, unaccompanied.

  • A selection of orchestral excerpts. Visit our Audition Excerpts page to download files.

Requirements for Percussionists

Substitutes and Extra Players

We play a diverse symphonic repertoire and frequently need to call substitutes or extra players. Players of all instruments interested in auditioning for our substitute list should prepare:

  • Scales as required for Permanent Musicians

  • Unless otherwise specified, your selection of three contrasting excerpts from the selections provided for Permanent Musicians.