Playing with Strathfield Symphony Orchestra

Strathfield Symphony Orchestra is a friendly and fun place to play exciting symphonic orchestral music to a high standard. We prepare at least four programs each year. We work with a range of experienced conductors and soloists as well as providing opportunities for young conductors and soloists. The orchestra has a special interest in performing works by Australian composers.

We are always looking for new players. There are always opportunities for string players of sufficient standard, and there are regularly opportunities for new wind, brass and percussion players.

The orchestra charges an annual subscription ($50 p.a. in 2006). These funds go towards the hire of music, conductors' fees and other expenses.

We rehearse on Monday nights from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm in Strathfield Town Hall. There are additional rehearsals in the week prior to a performance. Performances are normally either Saturday evening (8 pm) or Sunday afternoon (2:30 pm) or both.

If you are interested in playing with Strathfield Symphony Orchestra you should read the information on player performance standards below and then contact the Orchestra Manager.

We look forward to meeting and playing with you.

SSO Policies and Procedures

Performance Standards

We strongly encourage community participation and we are also committed to maintaining and improving playing and performance standards. The Playing Committee, comprising the Conductor, the Orchestra Manager and the Concertmaster, is responsible for these standards.

We will talk to a player who is not meeting the required standard with the aim of improving his or her performance. A player who is still not reaching the required standard may be asked to withdraw from a particular concert or concerts or from the Orchestra. If a player is asked to withdraw from the Orchestra, subscriptions will be refunded pro-rata. Section principals are encouraged to give opportunities to players within the section consistent with their abilities, and to rotate players (including themselves) to achieve this.

Entry as a player

Players wishing to join the Orchestra should apply to the Orchestra Manager (“OM”). An audition or trial period may be required. We may call for expressions of interest for any position.

The Orchestra often plays demanding works which require a playing standard of Grade 6 AMEB (or equivalent) for strings and Grade 7 (or equivalent) for wind and brass players.

Rehearsal and Concert Attendance

Preference will be given to players who commit to attending all or substantially all rehearsals. Players who we think have not attended enough rehearsals for a particular concert may be asked not to play in the concert. The number of rehearsals required will depend on the playing standard of the player and any prior arrangements made with the Playing Committee.

Section principals should make sure they have a full section at each rehearsal. A player who cannot attend a rehearsal should advise the principal, and if in a solo position (any position other than rank and file strings) should help the principal to try to find a replacement player for the rehearsal. The principal and OM should maintain a list of players who may be prepared to assist in this situation. Principals should keep the OM informed and advise as early as possible if a replacement player has not been found. If a player does not attend a rehearsal without first contacting the principal, the principal should contact the player to find out if there is a problem. The same procedure applies if a player is unable to play in a concert or concert series, but the OM should be advised of the problem when it arises.

Players not in solo positions who are unable to play in a concert series may attend rehearsals at the discretion of the Playing Committee but will be asked to withdraw from rehearsals in enough time to allow the Conductor to adjust balance and seating. Players in solo positions who cannot play in a concert series may attend rehearsals only until a replacement player is available.