Akron Symphony Auditions
Auditions
The Akron Symphony Orchestra & Christopher Wilkins, Music Director, announce the following vacancies for the 2023-2024 season:
Principal CLARINET (1-year position) *†
PRINCIPAL HORN (1-year position) *†
4th HORN*
2nd TRUMPET*
PRINCIPAL PERCUSSION (1-year position) *†
PRINCIPAL HARP
ASSISTANT CONCERTMASTER *
NON-ROTATING VIOLIN I (3rd Chair) *
NON-ROTATING VIOLIN II (3rd Chair) *
SECTION VIOLIN I & II (7 positions)
PRINCIPAL VIOLA *
SECTION VIOLA (1 position)
SECTION CELLO (3 positions)
NON-ROTATING SECTION BASS (2nd Chair) *
SECTION BASS
*If this position is won by a current ASO contract member, the resulting vacancy may be offered to the next best-qualified candidate.
† 1-year positions may become permanent.
Audition Dates
All auditions will be held at The House of the Lord, 1650 Diagonal Road, Akron, OH 44320
Cello: September 21
Percussion: September 25
Assistant Concertmaster/Section Violin: September 26
Principal/Section Viola: September 27
Principal Clarinet: September 28
Section/Non-rotating Bass: September 29
Principal Horn: October 2
4th Horn: October 3
2nd Trumpet: October 4
Principal Harp: October 5
Compensation
The base compensation rate for the 2023-24 season is currently under negotiation. The base per service for the 2022-23 season is $114.21. Principal and Assistant Concertmaster per service is $142.76.
Minimum Service Requirements
Contract musicians are required to play a minimum of 4 classics concerts and 1 pops/gospel concert.
Repertoire Lists
Principal Clarinet
Principal Horn
4th Horn
2nd Trumpet
Principal Percussion
Principal Harp
Assistant Concertmaster, Non-Rotating, and Section Violin
Principal and Section Viola
Section Cello
Non-Rotating and Section Bass
Appointments
All applicants are required to demonstrate either U.S. Citizenship or a legal eligibility to accept employment with ASO.
As a large volume of candidates is expected, please do not schedule an appointment if you are not certain you can adequately prepare for and attend the audition. If you are not certain, please wait until closer to the audition date to schedule your time.
Committed applicants may schedule an audition appointment beginning August 14 by contacting the Akron Symphony Office via email to Sharon Smith. Please send an attached résumé with your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I schedule my audition appointment thorough the Personnel Manager?
A: No. The sign-up list is managed by the staff at the Akron Symphony Office.
Q: Can I choose my audition time?
A: No. Auditions are scheduled late to early. If you prefer an earlier time you should wait to schedule your appointment.
Q: Are there multiple rounds?
A: Yes. Unless you are auditioning for the sub list only, you should plan to remain or return for final rounds.
Q: What if I am not available on the advertised audition date. Can I schedule an individual appointment at another time?
A: No. Our collective bargaining agreement requires the symphony to convene and compensate an audition committee. It is too costly and time-intensive to organize private auditions.
Q: Can I audition for the sub list only?
A: All candidates will be considered for the sub list, though you must attend the appropriate audition as the committees are constructed from the instrumental area we are auditioning.
Q: My instrument is not being auditioned. How can I schedule a substitute audition?
A: We can only accept your résumé and send it to the section principal.
Q: Do I need to supply a résumé?
A: Yes. Please plan to send one with your appointment request when we resume auditions.
Q: Will you supply excerpt music at the audition?
A: Yes, though feel free to use your own.
Q: If I win a position do I have to join the union?
A: As per our contract, all ASO contract musicians must join Akron Federation of Musicians Local 24. Other questions regarding union membership can be answered by Gary Davis, Secretary-Treasurer of local 24 at info@akronmusicians.org.
Q: If I take work as a substitute musician with the Akron Symphony Orchestra am I required to join Akron Federation of Musicians Local 24?
A: Not at first. You may play 16 services with the orchestra before you are required to join the union. Other questions regarding union membership can be answered by Gary Davis, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 24 at info@akronmusicians.org.
Please address all other questions to Jerry Miskell, Personnel Manager, via email at miskeljp@mountunion.edu.