AUDITION FOR GWINNETT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

2026-2027 AUDITION INFORMATION

Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce auditions for the 2026–2027 season. Opportunities are available for select section and leadership positions, as well as substitute musician placement throughout the orchestra. Musicians of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This page contains information regarding the orchestra, audition opportunities, season schedule, attendance expectations, audition requirements, and important application deadlines. Prospective musicians are encouraged to review all information carefully before submitting an application.

About Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1997, the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra is one of metro Atlanta’s largest and most active community-based performing arts organizations. Celebrating its 30th season in 2026–2027, the organization includes the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra, Chorus, Chamber Singers, Youth Orchestra, and a variety of educational and community engagement initiatives.

The orchestra presents a diverse season of classical masterworks, pops concerts, choral-orchestral performances, educational programs, and special events throughout Gwinnett County. Our musicians include dedicated amateur performers, music educators, college students, semi-professional musicians, and professional performers who share a commitment to artistic excellence and community service.

Prospective musicians should understand that the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra is a highly active organization with a demanding performance schedule. We seek musicians who are well-prepared, reliable, collaborative, and committed to contributing positively to the ensemble. While the orchestra maintains high artistic standards, it is also a welcoming organization that values mentorship, growth, and a shared passion for music-making.

We encourage all applicants to explore our website, social media channels, concert recordings, and season offerings to learn more about the orchestra’s mission, culture, and artistic activities before submitting an audition.

Audition Timeline

  • Applications Open: June 15, 2026
  • Application Deadline: July 30, 2026
  • Notification of Results: No later than August 15, 2026

NOTE: Auditions will be reviewed after the submission period closes. Due to the volume of applications received, individual audition results may not be released prior to August 15, 2026.

Current Audition Opportunities

Strings
  • Violin II – Associate Principal
  • All string sections for section and substitute musician placement
Woodwinds
  • All woodwind sections for substitute musician placement
Brass
  • Trumpet – Section
  • Tuba – Principal
  • All brass sections for substitute musician placement
Percussion
  • All percussion positions for substitute musician placement
NOTE: Auditions for substitute positions will also be used to evaluate candidates for permanent section openings. Musicians may be offered a section position during the season should a vacancy become available.

2026–2027 Season Schedule Summary

The following schedule is provided for planning purposes and is subject to change.

Tchaikovsky’s 4th + Violin Concerto
Concert: Sunday, September 20, 2026 • 4:00 PM
Location: Lawrenceville Arts Center Grand Stage

Rehearsals
* Sunday, September 13, 2026 — 6:00–8:50 PM
* Friday, September 18, 2026 — 7:00–9:50 PM
* Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 6:00–8:50 PM
* Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 1:45–3:15 PM

Back-to-Back: Dvořák, Lauridsen, Brass + Youth
Concert: Sunday, November 1, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Location: Discovery Theater, Lawrenceville

Rehearsals
* Sunday, October 25, 2026 — 6:00–8:50 PM
* Friday, October 30, 2026 — 7:00–9:50 PM
* Sunday, November 1, 2026 — 5:30–6:30 PM

Messiah Sing-Along (NOTE: This event only requires a string quartet or small ensemble)
Concert: Sunday, November 22, 2026 • 3:00 PM
Location: Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church

Rehearsals
* Sunday, November 22, 2026 — 1:00 PM

Holiday Pops with Joe Gransden (NOTE: Two performance dates)
Concerts:
* Saturday, December 5, 2026 • 7:00 PM
* Sunday, December 6, 2026 • 4:00 PM
Location: Lawrenceville Arts Center Grand Stage

Rehearsals
* Friday, December 4, 2026 — 7:00–9:50 PM
* Saturday, December 5, 2026 — 6:00–8:50 PM
* Sunday, December 6, 2026 — 2:00–3:00 PM (if necessary)

A New Year’s Side-by-Side Celebration
Concert: Sunday, January 10, 2027 • 7:00 PM
Location: Discovery Theater, Lawrenceville

Rehearsals
* Friday, January 8, 2027 — 7:00–9:50 PM
* Saturday, January 9, 2027 — 6:00–8:50 PM
* Sunday, January 10, 2027 — 5:30–6:30 PM

Symphonie Fantastique + Sibelius Violin Concerto
Concert: Sunday, March 21, 2027 • 4:00 PM
Location: Lawrenceville Arts Center Grand Stage

Rehearsals
* Sunday, March 14, 2027 — 6:00–8:50 PM
* Friday, March 19, 2027 — 7:00–9:50 PM
* Saturday, March 20, 2027 — 6:00–8:50 PM
* Sunday, March 21, 2027 — 1:45–3:15 PM

An American Portrait: Clausen, Copland & Hanson
Concert: Sunday, May 2, 2027 • 6:00 PM
Location: Lawrenceville Arts Center Grand Stage

Rehearsals
* Sunday, April 25, 2027 — 6:00–8:50 PM
* Friday, April 30, 2027 — 7:00–9:50 PM
* Saturday, May 1, 2027 — 6:00–8:50 PM
* Sunday, May 2, 2027 — 4:15–5:30 PM

Attendance Expectations

  • To be considered for a permanent section position, musicians should expect to participate in a majority of the orchestra’s concert cycles throughout the season.
  • Acceptance of a concert cycle constitutes a commitment to all rehearsals and performances associated with that cycle. All rehearsals are considered mandatory.
  • If an unavoidable conflict arises, it is the musician’s responsibility to work directly with the Personnel Manager to secure an approved substitute and communicate the absence as early as possible.
  • Consistent preparation, attendance, professionalism, and reliability are important factors in section placement, leadership opportunities, and future participation with the orchestra.

Audition Requirements

Applicants may audition either by video submission or through a live audition when available.

Please prepare the following:

1. One lyrical excerpt of your choice
2. One technical excerpt of your choice
3. A brief introduction of yourself and what you are looking for in joining the orchestra (optional and only if you are comfortable speaking)

If you prefer not to include a spoken introduction, please provide detailed responses to the corresponding questions within this application so that we can learn more about your musical background, goals, and interest in the orchestra.

Video Audition Format

If submitting by video, you may provide:

* Three separate videos (approximately 90 seconds each), or
* One combined video (approximately 3–4 minutes total)

This application includes separate fields for video links. If submitting three separate videos, please provide a link for each video. If submitting a single combined video, simply enter the same link in all three fields.

We recommend using unlisted YouTube links; however, other private file-sharing services are welcome provided the videos can be viewed without requesting access.

Applicants requesting a live audition will be contacted regarding scheduling and availability.