Take a Seat…in the Orchestra
drawings by Keith Bendis
Columbia Festival Orchestra’s Take a Seat…in the Orchestra is a mentoring program for serious-minded music students to intern and perform with members of the CFO.
Participants rehearse and perform with their mentors in various situations. Students have the opportunity to interview their mentors, socialize with them, and learn what it is like to be a professional musician.
Our inaugural program took place during the CFO’s residency at PS21 (Performance Spaces for the 21st Century, www.ps21chatham.org) in Chatham, New York, July 25-27, 2008. Student interns performed with the Columbia Festival Orchestra in the world premiere of Overture to a New Theater by Chatham High School alumnus, David Grunberg.
Tuition is free. The application procedure is straightforward: a short form, a brief statement about why the student would like to participate; and a recommendation letter from the student’s teacher. Players of all orchestral woodwinds, strings, and trumpet, horn, and percussion are invited to apply.
CFO’s Take a Seat program will continue into the fall of 2008 with two opportunities for students (both taking place at St. James Church in Chatham, NY):
- October 19 - flute reading session with the 4 members of Flute Force
- December 19 - Community Sing of Handel’s Messiah
Stay tuned for more information our exciting new 2010 season to be announced soon.
