VSO African American Fellowship Program
Audition Information
Eligibility & Requirements
Applications Due via Email or mail: February 5, 2024
Live Auditions: March 4, 2024
VSO Fellows will participate in the breadth of work performed by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, including:
- Classics and Regional Classics
- Pops
- Peanut Butter & Jam family concerts
- Young People’s Concerts
- Outdoor community concerts
- Chamber music
- Small ensemble educational concerts for elementary school students
- Mentorship and coaching for middle and high school students
- Coaching college students
Compensation:
- $16,000 stipend for orchestra services and education work performed
- Free housing
- $200/month Health Insurance Stipend
- Full scholarship to receive university-level course credit for Fellowship activities, conferred by Old Dominion University (culminating in a Graduate Certificate in Music Performance for those who qualify)
Eligibility:
- Graduate work or degree preferred. Exceptional performers with a bachelor’s degree also encouraged to apply.
- Applicants must be string players
- Candidates must self-identify as Black / African American
Application process:
- Submit 1-page Resume and 3 References (Be sure to include your name, instrument, phone number, address, and email). Due Feb. 5, 2024.
- Submit Personal Statement (500 words) describing your interests in the program and in community service and civic engagement. Due Feb. 5, 2024.
- Attend live audition on March 4, 2024 in Norfolk, Va. at Old Dominion University. If you have a barrier to traveling, please contact Dr. Christy Havens or Helen Martell for more information. We will also accept unedited video recordings of the required excerpts, which will be due by February 29, 2024.
(Once selected for the program, fellows will be required to submit school transcripts.)
Materials may be submitted by email to fellowship@virginiasymphony.org and by mail to:
Attn: Fellowship
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
150 Boush Street, Ste. 201
Norfolk, VA 23510
“The most memorable moment from this entire experience would be just spending time with the musicians. I think they’re wonderful people and I don’t think there’s any other orchestra like them”
“It was my distinct pleasure to be both teacher and colleague to our two bass Fellows, Avery Robinson and Zachary Smalls for the 2022/23 VSO season. Both were great players, enthusiastic and committed to their personal growth and the quality of their performances with the VSO. The Virginia Symphony bass section and orchestra overall were enhanced by their presence. I consider the first season of the VSO Fellowship to be a great success and am eagerly looking forward to meeting and working with our future Fellows!
Repertoire Lists
Please direct all questions to:
Dr. Christy Havens
fellowship@virginiasymphony.org
(757) 213-1438
Helen Martell
fellowship@virginiasymphony.org
(757) 213-1438
150 Boush St, Suite 201, Norfolk, VA 23510
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean when you say you have to “Self-identify as Black” to be eligible?
If you consider yourself to be part of the Black or African American community, this Fellowship is for you! We are not interested in making that determination for you, whether you are Black Hispanic, biracial, have any known African Black ancestry, etc. If being introduced as one of our African American Fellows resonates with you, we encourage you to apply!
How was the $16,000 stipend calculated?
The stipend was calculated based on the number of orchestra services and education activities the Fellows will participate in, using the rates in our Orchestra’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. We want to ensure that the Fellows are being paid as professionals at the same scale as Virginia Symphony Orchestra member musicians. But our Orchestra stays very busy, so we also want to be careful not to overload the Fellows’ schedules with a fulltime schedule so they can still fully engage in the Fellowship’s other professional development opportunities and continue to take auditions. We also include free housing and an insurance stipend to further support the Fellows in their year with us.
What is the housing like?
Fellows will be provided with a private room in a two-bedroom apartment on campus at Old Dominion University.
What if I can’t make the in-person audition?
We want to hear all interested candidates! Please let us know what your barriers are so we can help find a way to include you.
For example, Sphinx’s National Alliance for Audition Support offers audition grants to cover the cost of travel, accommodations, and incidentals for audition trips. Click here for details.
We will also accept unedited video recordings of the required excerpts, which will be due by Friday, February 29, 2024.