Perform with us!

2025 - 2026 Season

Orchestral Auditions

Auditions for the second half of our 2025-2026 season will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026 7 - 10 pm at Faith Church, 3924 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd SE, Issaquah, WA 98029. Note: If necessary, a second set of auditions will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 7 - 10 pm at Faith Church to accommodate additional applicants.

Auditions for open or sub-list positions can also be scheduled on Thursday evenings before or after regular rehearsals on a weekly basis.

Please e-mail personnel@sammamishsymphony.org to arrange an audition.

**** The Sammamish Symphony Orchestra currently has openings in the following sections ****

Strings:  Section Violin, Principal Viola, Section Viola, Section Cello, Section Contrabass

Winds/Brass:  Section Bassoon, Principal Oboe, 2nd Oboe, Section Trombone (Tenor)

We also welcome auditions for our sub list in all sections as some concerts require additional players. 

Instrumental auditions consist of a prepared selection of the candidate’s choosing, orchestral excerpts (provided in advance), and a few scales of the principal’s and conductor’s choosing during the audition.

• String Instrument Auditions packets are available HERE.

• Winds/Brass Audition packets are available HERE.

• Piano audition packet is available HERE.

FROM OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR 

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in joining the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra, one of the finest community ensembles in the region. 

The Sammamish Symphony is a vibrant group of individuals from all walks of life — from students to retirees, and everything in-between — with one overriding passion: playing the best symphonic music in an atmosphere simultaneously informal and charged with excitement. While the orchestra has an immense group spirit binding it together, with many close friendships having flowered and flourished within it, our primary allegiance is that of any fine orchestra: to the music. We take our music-making seriously, and members are expected to consistently meet our goal of making every rehearsal a step forward towards the finished performance. We work hard, and we have a good time doing so. Every member is a vital constituent in our mission. We look forward to your contributions to the Sammamish Symphony's continued success. 

With all best wishes, 

Adam Stern
Music Director and Conductor
Sammamish Symphony Orchestra 

 ABOUT US

The Sammamish Symphony Orchestra Association (SSOA) is an independent, nonprofit arts organization. We are governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of community leaders, members, and others within our community.   Adam Stern serves as Music Director / Conductor and is responsible for all programming, personnel, and maintenance and growth of our musical standards. 

OUR VALUES 

Bring Your Whole Self to Our Symphony Orchestra! 

We are passionate about creating and maintaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity. Organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective are proven to be better. More importantly, creating an environment where everyone, of any background, can participate fully is the right thing to do.   

You are an integral part of the fabric of our organization – your contributions to the Symphony make us what we are.  We consistently improve our musical experience (and that of our audience) by our consideration and respect for one another, and meeting our guidelines for rehearsal and performance etiquette.  This enables us to be highly accomplished, fun-loving, excellent musicians; both individually and collectively.    

MEMBERSHIP 

It is important for the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra to provide an enjoyable experience for its members. Passion and joy for the music we create, combined with our productive and dedicated culture, brings an ideal balance to our work that fuels our music-making. Our Music Director/Conductor, the Board, and all members work together to achieve the right balance between a serious work environment and one that is, in the best sense of the word, fun.

GENERAL INFORMATION 

Performances

The orchestra typically performs five two-concert series a year between September and June, occasional open dress rehearsals, and a Summer Pops concert in August.  Beginning in 2023, we began performing five single concerts per season as we continue to rebuild to full strength after the pandemic shutdown(s); we will re-expand to two as we continue this growth.

Rehearsals

Regular rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings during the regular season, from 7:15 – 9:45 pm.  
Season repertoire can be found HERE.
Rehearsal and performance schedules can be found HERE.

Attendance

Regular attendance is expected, dress rehearsal attendance is mandatory, and a maximum absence of two rehearsals per concert cycle is allowed. We understand that there may be times when you are sick or absent; we do ask that you notify the principal of your section and the personnel manager as soon as you know of an absence, preferably 24 – 48 hours in advance of rehearsal.  Send emails to personnel@sammamishsymphony.org  and include your name/instrument, date, and reason for absence (if comfortable providing).  

Please assist us by notifying us of absences, especially those that will affect dress rehearsal or concert dates. Notice of vacations or other longer-term absences should also be communicated in advance. 

In addition to our general auditions, we invite those interested in performing with us to attend a rehearsal as an observer; we also offer a complimentary pair of tickets to one of our concerts so you can experience our organization and our music, and decide if you would like to schedule an audition.