There are several ways that you can be involved with The Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. We welcome your participation in one or more of the following opportunities and look forward to having you as part of our organization and our community.
Auditions for Principal cello, section viola, cello and bass will be held Thursday, September 20, 2018.
Per service rates for 2018-2019 are as follows:
- Principal $80/service
- Non-string section $64/service
- Section string $56/service
- Intern (high school) $40/service
A travel stipend (.35/ mile up to $250 per concert or airfare reimbursement up to $250) and homestay lodging is also provided for out of town musicians. No per diem is provided. Musicians are responsible for their ground transportation while in Billings.
Tenured members are expected to perform all subscription concerts in a season for which there is need for their position. If there is a conflict, 1 concert per year will be excused for principles and 2 for section. Substitutes are contracted on an annual basis.
Repertoire for the 2018-2019 season includes:
Brahms Symphony No. 1
Respighi Pines of Rome
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
Beethoven Emperor Concerto
Kodaly Marroszek Dances
Audition procedure
Applicants should send the audition application to symphony@billingssymphony.org as soon as possible and not later than Monday, April 9, 2018. Audition slots are filling up and may be closed if full. Discounted hotel rates may be available– contact the BSOC office for more information.
Tenured membership is available to both residents and non-residents of Billings. The Billings Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra and all musicians must successfully complete a double-blind (“behind the screen”) audition prior to engagement. Double-blind auditions are held with the auditionee performing behind a screen where s/he cannot see the audition committee and in the same fashion, the audition committee does not know her/his identity.
All tenured auditions must take place in person. All rounds of auditions are held behind the screen and will have two rounds. During the second round, preference will be given to musicians who currently live in or are willing to move to Billings, however, all candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
If you are interested in a substitute only audition you may elect to submit an online audition via youtube link. Please note that acceptance to the Billings Symphony Orchestra’s Substitute and Extra list does not guarantee employment.
What to Expect at an Audition for Interns and new Auditionees
Thank you for your interest in the Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale!
About the Billings Symphony Orchestra
The Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale is widely regarded as one of the finest orchestras in the region. Many different talents and skills are needed to provide management and support for this cultural treasure. The Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale is an equal opportunity employer.
The Billings Symphony Orchestra is a part-time per service professional orchestra offering tenured membership to its players. The Orchestra performs a six-concert subscription series, an annual Family concert, The Nutcracker, a free outdoor concert, several runouts, chamber music concerts and educational outreaches.
Move to Montana!
Many of our musicians have moved to the area because of the beauty of the landscape, the quality of life, and the unique culture of our community. The Montana/Wyoming area offers many opportunities to professional musicians, including performance opportunities in several orchestras, extensive chamber music and Symphony outreach opportunities and many opportunities for private teaching. There is an especially strong need for bassoon, cello and bass private teachers in the area.
About Living in BillingsChorale Auditions
The Billings Symphony Chorale welcomes new singers. Rehearsals take place Monday evenings from 7-9 pm, and auditions are scheduled throughout the year. Contact the Billings Symphony office to schedule an audition.