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.
2019 Audition Rep List 2019 ApplicationAnnouncing auditions for the 2019-2020 season
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Job Postings:
None available at this time.
Openings in:
Assistant Concertmaster (email personnel@billingssymphony.org to audition)
Principal Bassoon
Principal Percussion
Principal Tuba
Principal Harp – candidate must provide own harp
Section Flute/Piccolo – primarily second with obligation to piccolo*
Section Trumpet – rotating between 2nd and 3rd*
Section Violin
Section Cello
Section Bass
Substitutes in all sections
2019-2020 Repertoire Includes:
Gershwin’s American In Paris
Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring,
Mozart’s Symphony No. 35 and Requiem
Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2
The Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale is a part time, per service orchestra. There are currently 40 services in 2019-2020 concert season. but the number of services offered to each player are determined by orchestration. *Wind rotation and part assignment is determined by the principal. See the audition application for schedule and instrumentation to determine the number of services per musician.
Per service rates for 2019-2020 are as follows:
- Principal and Assistant Concertmaster $80/service
- Non-string section $64/service
- Section string $56/service
- Intern (high school) $40/service
A travel stipend (.42/ mile up to $400 per concert or airfare reimbursement up to $400) 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 principal and 2 for section players. Substitutes are contracted on an annual basis.
Audition procedure
Applicants (except for assistant concertmaster) should send the audition application to auditions@billingssymphony.org as soon as possible and not later than Thursday, April 4, 2019. Audition slots are limited and may be closed before that date if full. Discounted hotel rates may be available – contact the BSO&C 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.
Please note: For assistant and section positions (i.e., all non-principal positions), preference will be given to qualified musicians living within 250 miles of Billings. The Assistant Concertmaster position is a principal level position. Qualified musicians are defined as musicians who have passed into the final round of auditions. Musicians seriously considering relocating to Billings should indicate this on their application. All information will be shared anonymously.
All auditions for tenured positions must take place in person. Tenured auditions are held behind the screen and may or may not have two rounds. 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.
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 run-out concerts, 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
Check back for dates and times of auditions. Audition are held at The Lincoln Center and are by appointment only. Please contact Candy candy@billingssymphony.org to schedule your audition.
Auditonees are required to perform one solo vocal literature (classical only), an complete a vocal range. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring 2 copies of the solo vocal material.
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.