Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

Announces auditions for

SECTION BASS (2 positions) & PRINCIPAL BASS

Sunday, August 25, 2024

These are permanent, tenure track, per-service positions beginning during the 2024-2025 season with the employment start date being mutually agreed upon based on the availability of the winning candidate.  The 2024-2025 season principal rates are $120.44 per rehearsal and $145.60 per performance and section rates are $101.12 per rehearsal and $120.80 per performance.  Approximately 80 services are offered per season for the principal position and approximately 68 for a section position.  If travelling from outside of Pulaski County, contracted ASO musicians are provided accommodations (typically at the DoubleTree Hotel next door to Robinson Performance Hall), in addition to a mileage/travel reimbursement of $0.26/mile up to $300 per concert week.

Auditions will take place on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s new facilities in the Stella Boyle Smith Music Center located in Little Rock, Arkansas.

To apply:

and list your instrument in the subject line.

  • Audition excerpts, a confirmation form, and additional audition information will be provided by email following receipt of the applicant's résumé. Information will not be given by phone.
  • Completed confirmation forms and deposit checks must be received by Friday, August 9, 2024 in order to be guaranteed an audition time.

In the event an internal candidate wins a position, the audition committee and/or Music Director reserve the right to offer the subsequently open position to another audition candidate. Winning candidates may be offered additional performance, teaching, and employment opportunities by other local organizations based on expertise, experience, and interest.  The ASO is committed to leveraging its organizational partnerships and educational initiatives to ensure that fine orchestral musicians can thrive as performing artists.

ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The ASO is the state's premier professional orchestra and a thriving organization bucking national trends with conspicuous artistic growth, record attendance, financial stability, community engagement, and a tradition of artistic excellence.   A major renovation to the ASO’s primary performing space, the historic Robinson Music Center, was completed in 2017.  The Stella Boyle Smith Music Center, currently under construction, will be a radically welcoming hub of musical activity for all Arkansans to include a rehearsal/recital hall, teaching spaces, a recording/streaming studio, and offices.  The 2024-2025 season includes a subscription series highlighted by Mahler’s Symphony No. 7, Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.  In addition to its Masterworks and Pops series, the ASO performs to audiences in diverse locations with its popular River Rhapsody Chamber Music Series at the Clinton Presidential Center, Neighborhood Concert Series, Education and Community Engagement programs for children and families, and myriad programs and performances of all types throughout the state of Arkansas.  The ASO also has four youth orchestras, a community orchestra, and is involved in multiple music education partnerships and collaborations throughout Arkansas.

LITTLE ROCK, AR

Greater metropolitan Little Rock is a community of over 700,000 known for high quality of life, low cost of living, a vibrant arts scene, excellent education and healthcare, and an aspirational posture toward economic and cultural growth.   It is currently ranked in the top ten of US cities in separate rankings of Happiness, Cleanliness, and Value.  The Brookings Institute placed Little Rock in the top twenty “Strongest Metro Areas in the Country” and Forbes listed it in its “15 Best Cities for Young Adults.”  Kiplinger named Little Rock No. 1 on its 2013 list of “10 Great Places to Live.”