2024-25 Fellowship applications now open
application deadline: Sept. 1, 2024
About the program
The FSO Fellowship Program encourages greater racial and cultural diversity in the orchestra field by helping to provide meaningful opportunities for talented minority musicians to achieve their full potential. Open to higher education level string students or those who have graduated in the last academic year (violin, viola, cello, and double bass), the FSO Diversity Fellowship supports musical development and helps advance careers.
Up to five Fellows are selected for this one-year program focusing on artistic excellence, career development, immersive mentorship, and performance opportunities. At the conclusion of the season, Fellows will have a wide variety of experiences on which to draw to help guide their music careers.
FELLOWSHIP BENEFITS
Paid rehearsal and performance opportunities with the FSO during its concert season at George Mason University Center for the Arts (Fairfax, VA) and Capital One Hall (Tysons, VA)
Personalized coaching and mentorship from FSO musicians
Master Classes with visiting soloists
Participation in mock auditions
Educational outreach with Title I Schools, gaining experience as teacher/performers
Chamber music and solo recital performance opportunities
ELIGIBILITY
The Fellowship is open to students or recent graduate musicians from backgrounds that have historically been underrepresented in symphonic orchestras, who are pursuing (or have received in the last academic year) undergraduate, master’s, doctorate, or artist diploma degrees in string performance. Eligible to candidates with the following backgrounds: African American, Hispanic/Latino and Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or other U.S. Pacific Islander, Indian American, and any historically underrepresented background in orchestras today. Five fellowships will be available on a competitive basis. The preliminary round of auditions consist of video submissions. Finalists are selected to perform second-round live auditions.
application process
APPLICATION - Preliminary Round Video Submission
The preliminary round will be by video submission. Applicants should record the following as three separate videos and provide links to a non-password protected platform, e.g. YouTube, Vimeo etc.
1. An extract from a concerto movement. Please note: the maximum duration for this video should be 5 minutes. Please include details of the piece you are playing in the file name or description. If your extract does not start with the beginning of the movement then please indicate where in the piece you are beginning.
2. A complete movement from a suite by Bach.
3. Prepared orchestral audition excerpts
APPLICATION Form & Deadline - September 1, 2024 11:59pm
Please complete this online application form, where you will be prompted to upload your resume and audition videos.
Applications should be submitted no later than 11:59pm on Monday, September 1, 2024. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
SECOND ROUND - Live Auditions
Based on the preliminary round, applicants will be invited to the final, live auditions on September 7, 2024. Invited applicants should prepare a concerto movement — you may use the same repertoire as your first round audition. Orchestral excerpts will be selected from the Preliminary Round list and from repertoire included in the FSO's 24-25 concert season. Applicants will be provided with the excerpts upon invitation to the audition.
MEET OUR 2023-24 FELLOWS
Hear from our 2022-23 FSO Fellows about the Fellowship Program —
QUESTIONS?
For questions about the FSO Fellowship Program, please email info@fairfaxsymphony.org.
