Frequently Asked Questions

The New Conductors Orchestra is a musical ensemble comprised of both professional and non-professional musicians that strives to play classical music at the highest levels, while supporting young conductors and featuring lesser-known works of living composers. Find out more by reading what we’re about.

Yes! While we are comprised of professional, non-professional and student musicians -- including adult amateurs who have many different kinds of “day jobs” — our members rehearse and perform on an uncompensated basis.

NCO aspires to be a collaborative orchestra, where members’ suggestions and opinions are valued. Mechanisms are in place for musicians to weigh in on every aspect of the orchestra’s administration including repertoire, ticket prices, venues, and seatings. NCO gives its musicians rotating opportunities throughout the instrumental sections.

The orchestra confers seatings based upon individuals’ musical caliber, but also trusts members to deliver more than just their playing skills. Members are expected to have prepared their parts, attend rehearsals regularly, and help foster a spirit of camaraderie and collaborative musicianship. In addition, the orchestra depends on musicians to help in other ways, including recruiting to help maintain a robust musician roster and assisting with operations, logistics, marketing, and ticket sales. To help the orchestra be self-supporting, modest dues are requested for each cycle (although not sought from students or those with financial hardship) to help defray operational costs.

Rehearsals are typically held on Thursday evenings from 7:30-10:00 PM. We plan for concert cycles three times a year, having an average of 6 rehearsals within each cycle of programming. Please consult our rehearsal schedule.

Mark Powell, our artistic consultant, is the focal point for all of these decisions. Prospective conductors and composers should apply here. With the input of the NCO founders and board, Mark selects a cycle program repertoire by gauging the abilities of the guest conductor, the orchestra, and the appropriate rehearsal requirements.

Fill out our Audition Form or contact us for supporting us in other ways!

Please contact us— we’ll be happy to answer any questions!