Deadline: Spring 2023 TBD
Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) African American Fellowship Program 2023-2024 (Black / African American)
APPLY FOR THE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (VSO) AFRICAN AMERICAN FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM FOR UP TO 4 EARLY-CAREER ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSICIANS IS INTENDED TO ADVANCE THE GOAL OF INCREASED DIVERSITY OF ORCHESTRAL MUSICIANS NATIONWIDE. THIS INITIATIVE IS A CONTINUATION OF THE VSO’S COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION.
Fellows will perform as part of the VSO in over 100 services throughout eastern Virginia and engage in public school residencies and educational performances. Professional development opportunities, including private lessons and mentorship, will better equip Fellows to achieve in their careers as performers and educators. Through these activities, Fellows will receive 9 university-level course credits from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, according to each Fellow’s degree level: undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate course credit. For those Fellows at a post-graduate level, these 9 credits culminate in a Graduate Certificate in Music Performance.
BENEFITS
- The classical music industry benefits from investment in the pipeline for more aspiring African American musicians to receive the training they need to become successful professionals.
- Local public school music students and their teachers benefit from building individual relationships with these accomplished African American musician role models and string instrument coaches.
- The Fellows benefit from the experience of playing with a full-time professional symphony and the opportunity to receive regular coaching from VSO players.
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
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 with host family
- $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)
APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Submit 1-page Resume and 3 References (Be sure to include your name, instrument, phone number, address, and email).
- Submit Personal Statement (500 words) describing your interests in the program and in community service and civic engagement.
- Attend live audition in Spring 2023 (Date TBD) – if you have a barrier to traveling, please contact Dr. Christy Havens or Helen Martell for more information.
(Once selected for the program, fellows will be required to submit school transcripts.)
