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EnglishHow Musicians Can Join or Play with Redwood Symphony
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To be considered for Redwood Symphony, contact the orchestra through its website so it can arrange a talk or visit with you. The site's "Talent" section says: "Contact us if you might be interested in playing with Redwood Symphony so we can arrange a talk or visit." There is no published audition form, instrument vacancy list, or rehearsal schedule on the site, so the first step is a conversation with the orchestra rather than a formal application.
What the Orchestra Expects
Redwood Symphony describes itself as an all-volunteer orchestra dedicated to "ambitious, contemporary repertoire, as well as the great orchestral classics." That description sets the bar for anyone interested in playing:
- Volunteer commitment. Musicians give their time; the orchestra is not a paid ensemble.
- Contemporary and classic repertoire. Players should be comfortable with demanding modern works alongside standard orchestral literature.
- Bay Area base. The orchestra draws musicians from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and has operated out of Cañada College since 2007.
The site notes that its "innovative programming and emphasis on education" are reasons talented local musicians volunteer their time. If that mix matches what you want from an ensemble, the orchestra is aimed at you.
How to Start the Conversation
- Go to the orchestra's website and find the "Talent" area, where the "Play with us" invitation appears.
- Use the site's contact form to introduce yourself. The page includes a contact form, and the Talent section directs interested players to get in touch.
- State your instrument and background so the orchestra can respond usefully. The site does not list required materials, so keep the first message simple: who you are, what you play, and that you'd like to discuss playing.
- Expect a talk or visit. The orchestra says it will arrange a talk or visit — treat this as the informal equivalent of an audition or meeting, and use it to ask about rehearsal expectations, repertoire, and current needs.
- Wait for a reply before assuming anything about openings, seating, or schedules. None of that is published.
What the Site Does Not Tell You
Be aware of the gaps so you don't plan around assumptions:
| Question | What the site says |
|---|---|
| Is there an audition? | Not stated; the process starts with a talk or visit |
| Which instruments are needed? | Not listed |
| When and where are rehearsals? | Not published; Cañada College is the base of operations |
| Is there a fee or pay? | Nothing indicates payment; the orchestra is all-volunteer |
| How long does a response take? | Not stated |
Because these details aren't on the site, the talk or visit is where you'll get real answers. Prepare questions about rehearsal frequency, concert dates in the 42nd season (2026–2027), and what the orchestra currently needs.
Other Ways to Get Involved
If playing isn't the right fit, the site lists other volunteer paths: helping with concert programs, staffing the lobby during concerts, and financial support, including sponsoring or endowing a chair for $1,000. These are separate from playing but show the orchestra's volunteer-driven structure — useful context for understanding what joining as a musician involves.
For a musician in the Bay Area who wants to play ambitious repertoire with a committed volunteer ensemble, the path is straightforward: reach out through the site, describe your playing, and arrange the conversation the orchestra offers.