The Civic Orchestra Musician Experience
The Civic Orchestra of Chicago prepares its members for multifaceted and meaningful careers in orchestral music and beyond. Civic Orchestra members are passionate and motivated early-career musicians who are dedicated to furthering their artistry, exploring diverse repertoire, serving Chicago and building community on and off the stage.
From October through June, Civic Orchestra members participate in a concert series for full orchestra, workshops, masterclasses, mock auditions, chamber music, school partnerships and other special projects. They are coached and mentored by Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur, CSO musicians and world-renowned guest conductors and clinicians.
Rehearsals and Concert Cycles
The Civic Orchestra of Chicago rehearses and performs at Chicago Symphony Center. The mainstage concert series typically consists of seven to eight low-cost performances in Orchestra Hall, as well as six to seven free performances in neighborhood venues, including the South Shore Cultural Center, Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville and Chicago area schools including several Chicago Public Schools.
Each month of the season includes a concert cycle that is typically comprised of five rehearsals, a performance at Chicago Symphony Center and a performance at a neighborhood venue. As part of each cycle, Civic Orchestra members participate in sectionals with CSO musicians. Most rehearsals take place from 2:00 to 5:00 PM and/or 6:30 to 9:30 PM on weekdays and during the day on weekends, and the majority of concerts occur on Sundays afternoons and Mondays at 7:30 PM.
Professional Development
Throughout the season, members also participate in masterclasses, mock auditions, professional development workshops and education and community engagement programs of the Chicago Symphony Negaunee Music Institute. Each member is required to play a seating audition at the start of and midway through the season.
Civic Orchestra members are coached by current and former musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through sectionals, masterclasses and mock auditions. Members also receive complimentary tickets to most CSO concerts, invitations to CSO Open Rehearsals and a free private lesson with a CSO musician.
Civic Orchestra members earn a stipend of up to $10,500 per season, paid as $110 per service. They may also broaden their training and earn additional income by applying to participate in the Civic Fellowship program, Civic Chamber Music Series, Civic Library Assistantship program, the NMI Arts Administration Fellowship and/or the Civic Mentors program.
Civic Fellowship
Through an array of experiences designed to build and diversify creative and professional skills, the Civic Fellowship is a season-long program that empowers participants to realize their full potential as artistically excellent, civically engaged, collaborative and entrepreneurial musicians. The program’s curriculum has four major pillars: artistic planning, music education, social justice and project management. Applications for the Civic Fellowship program open for current and prospective Civic Orchestra members in the spring.
Civic Chamber Music Series
The Civic Chamber Music Series (CCMS) develops artistic leadership and skills in concert curation, audience engagement and collaborative music making. From March to May, several self-formed chamber ensembles give performances at community venues throughout the Chicago area. CCMS ensembles receive musical coaching from CSO musicians, as well as performance skills and audience engagement coaching from members of professional chamber ensembles such as Third Coast Percussion and D-Composed. Past CCMS ensembles have included string quartets, brass quintets, woodwind quintets, percussion quartets and mixed ensembles.
Civic Library Assistantship
Throughout the season, three to four Civic Library assistants help organize materials and audition packets, prepare bowings and more for full Civic Orchestra concerts, mock auditions, mid-season auditions, and other activities. Library assistants are paid hourly and supervised by the Civic Library Fellow.
Civic Mentors
From January through April and as part of the CSO’s expansive school partnership program, a cohort of Civic Orchestra members are designated as Civic Mentors who visit Chicago Public Schools to bolster high school bands and orchestras. Activities include leading sectionals, side-by-side performances, general mentorship of students and support of teachers.
Based on musician availability and school needs, each Civic Mentor may complete as many as 30 school visits. Civic Mentors also participate in a preparatory workshop to build skills for success in CPS classrooms. The program culminates in the Chicago Youth in Music Festival, when Civic Mentors perform side-by-side with their CPS students and Civic Orchestra colleagues.
Coaches from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Civic Orchestra members are coached by current and former musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through sectionals, masterclasses and mock auditions. Members also receive complimentary tickets to most CSO concerts, invitations to CSO Open Rehearsals and a free private lesson with a CSO musician.