Current Openings for Members
- Principal cello
- Strings (especially violin and bass)
- Horn
- Trombone utility (substitute)
- Percussion
Auditions
Musicians interested in auditioning for KSO are asked to play 2 or 3 contrasting excerpts of their choice from orchestral or solo repertoire. Excerpts should include a variety of articulations and techniques (e.g. off-string strokes for strings, stopped notes for horns, etc.). Choose excerpts that best display your technique, intonation, range, tone, rhythmic ability, and general musicality. Your audition will last approximately 3 to 5 minutes and may include a few questions.
If you are interested in becoming a member please send an e-mail to kenwoodsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com. Please include your phone number and we’ll get in touch to schedule your audition. Watch a video about the KSO experience.
Rehearsals
Our season runs from the first Monday after Labor Day until mid-May the following spring. Regular rehearsals are held on Monday nights from 6:45 PM until 9:15 PM in the band room at Washburn High School. Washburn is located on 50th Street just west of Nicollet Avenue in South Minneapolis. Parking is available in the staff lot and on the street. Enter via Door 10, which is by the lighted sign, adjacent to the staff parking lot. You will be admitted by an orchestra member until about 6:50pm. After that time, text the designated KSO member to be admitted to the building. Walk down the hallway to the auditorium, turn left, walk down another hallway, then turn right to reach the band room.
After a few weeks off we resume in mid-July for our fun Summer POPS! series.
Performances
The KSO typically performs five programs during the regular season and two to three Summer POPS! concerts. As part of our mission to perform free of charge, the only ticketed concert is The Nutcracker with the Metropolitan Ballet. Outreach efforts include live performances for music lovers in residential care facilities.
Dues
In addition to ticket sales, grants, and donations, member dues are an important part of the KSO economic structure. Dues are $110 ($50 for full-time students) per season and due on the third rehearsal in September. Waivers and other arrangements are available for those for whom the dues represent an economic hardship.