Expanding Performing Opportunities for the 2024-2025 Season

We have been thrilled with the high level of interest in playing with the VACB! Since our founding, it has been our mission to provide opportunities for community members to make music. However, in recent years, the amount of interest has grown beyond what we can accommodate with a single band.

We are excited to share the details of our plans to offer two bands beginning with the 2024-2025 season.

Both Bands - What Will Not Change about VACB?

It is our primary goal to ensure that both bands feel like the VACB we know and love!

• Concert themes and programming philosophy will continue. Check out our Concerts page to get a sense of the type of repertoire we will continue to program for both bands.
• Friendly community of musicians where all are welcome
• Shared concerts for the 2024-2025 season

VACB Concert Band

• Tuesday night rehearsals
• Non-auditioned
• No limits on instrumentation for now
• Very similar to current VACB
  • Similar programming and high-quality repertoire
  • Same focus on high-level music making and community
• Same sign-up process and expectations as current VACB
  • Sign-up per concert (quarterly)
  • Commit to missing no more than 3 rehearsals
  • Opportunities to sub for absences

VACB Wind Symphony

• Thursday night rehearsals
• Members selected by audition
• Limited section sizes for balanced instrumentation
• Similar programming and high-quality repertoire; slightly harder repertoire at times
• Similar sign-up process and expectations as curent VACB
  • Sign-up per concert; commit to at least 3 of 4 concerts per season
  • Commitment to regular rehearsal attendance
  • Sub and alternate opportunities by audition

• Auditions for the 2024-2025 season

  • 10 minute in-person audition
  • Musicians will perform short excerpts from Fanfare, Hymn and Finale (Peter Boyer) which Wind Symphony will perform at the first concert of the season
  • Auditions will take place in June and July with members selected by end of July
  • Audition materials are available here
  • Times are now available between July 11 - July 26.
  • Sign up for an audition time

Questions and Answers

What will the section sizes be in Wind Symphony?

We envision Wind Symphony to be roughly 55-65 players rather than a strictly one-on-a-part wind ensemble. The final size will be determined based on how many players are selected from auditions.

It has been a while since I’ve auditioned for anything and I’m feeling a little nervous about it. Should I audition?

Yes! We strongly encourage everyone who is interested in playing in Wind Symphony to put themselves out there and take advantage of the opportunity to audition.

If I get a spot in Wind Symphony, can I play in Concert Band too?

Absolutely!

Will there be other opportunities to make music in addition to the two large ensembles?

Yes! Chamber music opportunities will be introduced during the 2024-2025 season.

Can I share this information with my musician friends are not on the VACB mailing list?

Absolutely, and please encourage them to Join Our Musicians List.

Where do I sign up for the Fall 2024 concert cycle?

Registration for the Fall 2024 concert cycle (both Concert Band and Wind Symphony) will be available starting in late July.

What if I have a question that’s not answered here?

We invite you to email us with any questions using the email contact link at the bottom of this page.