How to audition for the new Jackson Heights Orchestra

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

At the end of August we told you that a new community orchestra is developing in Jackson Heights, appropriately called the Jackson Heights Orchestra. We also mentioned that auditions are coming up and we have more information about them. They will take place on Tuesday, September 11, Wednesday; September 12; and Tuesday, September 18 from 6-9pm at Jackson Heights United Methodist Church on 35th Avenue between 81st and 82nd Streets (GMAP). All instruments – strings, woodwinds, percussion, brass – are needed.

The kinds of musicians the Orchestra is looking for are adults with good musicianship. It’s recommended that you prepare a short piece that highlights your skills, technique, and musicality with your instrument. As a reminder, this is a community orchestra and seats in the ensemble are not paid positions.

Concert dates are TBD. For more information, email the Orchestra organizers at jack.hgt.orch@gmail.com.

Once established, the Jackson Heights Orchestra will join the Astoria Symphony Orchestra (who are about to celebrate their 10th season) and the Queens Symphony Orchestra (founded in 1953) as the major orchestras in the borough. Queens is also home to some excellent smaller instrumental ensembles, such as the Lost Dog New Music Ensemble based in Astoria, Yarn/Wire, a two piano-two percussion ensemble based in Ridgewood near the Bushwick border, and Musica Reginae in Forest Hills. Random Access Music, a composer collective, is also based in Queens, and they help organize the Queens New Music Festival.