QSOA schedules auditions for orchestra, chorus, youth orchestra and youth chorus

QUINCY — The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association is inviting area musicians to participate in its 76th concert season.

The QSOA consists of:

Quincy Symphony Chorus

The Quincy Symphony Chorus is a group of musicians under the direction of Phyllis Robertson. They rehearse on Monday evenings beginning in September and will present concerts on Dec. 2 and March 2. They will join the Symphony Orchestra and Youth Chorus on April 20 for a combined event. The Symphony Chorus has participants from various backgrounds and skill levels. Auditions will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, or by appointment. Interested singers should call the QSOA office for a time slot and prepare an audition song of their choice, such as a hymn, patriotic song or Christmas carol with music or from memory.

Quincy Symphony Orchestra

The Quincy Symphony Orchestra invites instrumentalists from the region to audition on Tuesday, Aug. 22. Under the direction of Bruce Briney, the orchestra will perform on Oct. 1, Nov. 18, Feb. 10 and April 20. In addition, the QSO will perform children’s educational concerts on March 22. The QSO rehearses from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. on Tuesdays.

The orchestra has immediate openings for principal bass and second clarinet. Applicants for these positions will perform a solo of their choice and orchestral excerpts. Email qsoa@adams.net for details. Players are needed for all string sections, and additional brass, woodwind, and percussion players are needed for works with larger instrumentation and the substitute list. Musicians should prepare a short solo that displays their musical strengths.

Quincy Area Youth Chorus

Singers in grades 3-12 are invited to audition for the Quincy Area Youth Chorus. Accepted singers will perform with the QAYC at fall and spring concerts as well as join the Symphony Orchestra and Chorus on April 22 for a combined work.

Auditions for the QAYC will be held Saturday, Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. to noon. Auditioning children should prepare a song they enjoy singing. QAYC includes girls, and boys with unchanged voices, in two performing groups: The Kinderchor for the younger singers is directed by Amy Fairchild, and the Concert Choir for older members is directed by Paul Shelor. Rehearsals are held either on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons.

Quincy Area Youth Orchestra

The Quincy Area Youth Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Richard Cangro, is accepting virtual auditions through Oct. 2. All new and returning members must audition. QAYO candidates must be in grades 7-12 and have at least three years of playing experience. Membership may be limited to maintain a proper balance of instruments in the orchestra. Students should prepare material found on the youth orchestra page of qsoa.org, along with a solo of their choice. The QAYO will join the adult orchestra for a side-by-side performance on Feb. 10 and present a concert in March. They rehearse weekly through March.

To sign up for an audition time with the orchestra, chorus, youth chorus or youth orchestra, call the symphony office at 217-222-2856 Monday through Friday, or email qsoa@adams.net. More information on performing ensembles is at www.qsoa.org.