There are two full symphonic orchestras that perform in Saratoga each August. One of them, of course, is the Philadelphia Orchestra, which is in residence at the prestigious Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) during the month of August. If you are a talented high school musician, you could become a member of the other orchestra there this coming year.

You can be one of 115 of the finest public and private high school musicians in New York State selected through auditions to study and rehearse for a month with the world-class musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra. These high school students comprise the second symphony orchestra in residence at Saratoga. The School of Orchestral Studies, which is co-sponsored by the New York State School Music Association, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Philadelphia Orchestra Association, and the New York State Education Department, offers you not only the truly unique opportunity to work side by side with first-chair members of one of the finest symphony orchestras in the world, but also the chance to work for four weeks as an integral member of your own orchestra. In addition, the School of Orchestral Studies provides a string orchestra and a wind ensemble, and a number of other, smaller ensembles.

You will be coached in small groups and in sectional rehearsals, so your access to individual attention will be unmatched. You will rehearse and perform a repertoire that parallels the one chosen by the Philadelphia Orchestra for their summer repertoire. You may attend elective classes in the history, literature, and theory of music. You will attend regular performances at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. As a member of the full orchestra, the wind ensemble, or the string orchestra, you will give concerts at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the Empire State Plaza in Albany. As a member of one of the small ensembles, you will perform at SPAC prior to the Philadelphia Orchestra’s concerts. And by the end of the four-week program, you will have had the best musical summer of your life.

Application Process

If you are interested in attending the School of Orchestral Studies, you must audition successfully to become a member or alternate. Because the audition experience itself is so worthwhile, you are encouraged to register and to participate in the audition. Auditions will be held at 10 different locations around the state (see schedule).

You should prepare a solo selection for performance to display your technical and musical abilities. Instrumentalists are expected to perform unaccompanied. Sight-reading of standard instrumental literature will be an important part of the audition. Trumpet and horn players will be asked to transpose. Percussionists are encouraged to audition in multiple areas.

Ratings by the adjudicators will form the basis for selection. To participate in this statewide audition process, complete and return the application form as soon as possible to aid in scheduling. Upon receipt of this form, complete information about the audition locations, schedules, and times will be mailed to you.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The School of Orchestral Studies will hold its annual four-week program from July 27 to August 23, 2008. Total cost of tuition, room, and board will be $1,500.

NYSSSA's summer programs are open to all New York State students currently enrolled in grades 8 through 12 who qualify through the audition process. Tuition, room, and board costs should not discourage any talented young artist from auditioning. A student who auditions is under no obligation to attend and every effort will be made to allocate suitable financial aid.

We want any talented young artist who is accepted through our audition process, regardless of his or her ability to pay for the school, to be able to attend, so tuition assistance is available. Tuition assistance forms are mailed to students after the audition process. NYSSSA awards financial assistance based upon individual need.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Edward S. Marschilok, Administrative Director
NYSSSA Schools of Music
State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Room 866 EBA
Albany, NY 12234
(518) 474-8773
NYSSSA email: nysssa@mail.nysed.gov