Community Engagement

Side-by-Side Ensemble and Concerto Competition

The New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy (NWS), is pleased to offer advanced instrumentalists (7-12th grade) an opportunity to participate in its 2023 Side-by-Side Ensemble. Student musicians will receive one-on-one training with NWS Fellows. Student musicians accepted into the Ensemble will participate in sectionals, rehearsals and a concert with NWS Fellows on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Students will also have the opportunity to audition for the 2023 Concerto Competition (optional). The winner of the Concerto Competition will perform during the Side-by-Side Concert on Saturday, April 22, 2023. 

Side-by-Side Ensemble auditions are open to advanced string, woodwind, brass and percussion students, grades 7-12. The Concerto Competition auditions are open to advanced string, woodwind, brass piano, and percussion students, grades 7-12. All instrumentalists selected will be engaged in Side-by-Side mentoring, sectionals, rehearsals and the final performance. 

Important Dates:

Application Opens: October 3, 2022 
Application Deadline: December 7, 2022 

First round auditions will take place via submitted videos. Results from the first round will go out in December, including invites for the second round live audition on January 28, 2023. Final results will go out to all applicants in early March.

Side-by-Side mentorship activities: Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 6:00-8:00 PM
Side-by-Side sectionals: Tuesday, April 4 and Thursday, April 6, 2023, 6:00-8:00 PM 
Side-by-Side Rehearsals: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 and Thursday, April 20, 2023, 5:00-8:00 PM 
Side-by-Side Dress Rehearsal: Saturday, April 22, 2023, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM 
Side-by-Side Concert: Saturday, April 22, 2023, 8:00 PM

Audition Excerpts (Required) 

All students will be asked to prepare three specific excerpts. The excerpts are listed within your instrument's application. You can begin your application, save it and return later to upload your video. Please review the audition requirements carefully by instrument. 

Concerto Competition (Optional) 

If you would like to be considered for the Concerto Competition, please submit the following: 

One movement of a concerto (*must be with piano accompaniment) 

Finalists will be invited to compete in the Concerto Competition Live Auditions at the New World Center on January 18, 2023. 

*If you do not see your instrument listed in the drop-down menu and would like to apply to the Concerto Competition, please select the following program option: "Concerto Competition Application."  

Letter of Recommendation 

You will be asked to provide your reference's name and email address. This reference will receive an email from Acceptd to upload their letter of recommendation upon submission of your application. 

Resume 

Please provide a resume that includes your musical accomplishments. If you would like a sample template, please write to the email address below. 

No late applications will be considered. 

For any questions, please email Elyse Marrero at elyse.marrero@nws.edu.