FAQs

How do I audition for the orchestra?

Auditions are due the Friday before February break each year. More information on how to audition can be found under the "How to Audition" tab.

When can I expect my audition results?

Audition results will be sent out in early March. This may be after course selection has been completed. Results will be sent from the evergreenauditions@gmail.com email to the e-mail from which the audition was submitted.

How do I register for Evergreen?  

First, you must have a successful audition. If your audition has been successful and you have this information before course selection, you may put Evergreen in your schedule. If you have to register prior to audition results, students should use the process for their instrument.

String players: you should put the non-audition group in your schedule as a place holder (if you are already in Chamber Strings or Evergreen you may use this as your place holder). Class is required for all string players.

Wind players (woodwind/brass): you should put the appropriate band class in your schedule. If you wish to take Evergreen as a class (and are not already in that class), you will be able to add that after the registrar has been notified of the list of successful auditions.

Percussion: should take percussion class regardless of the success of audition.

The director will take care of changing your selection to Evergreen in the event of a successful audition.

Can I play in band and Evergreen?

Wind players may take Evergreen as a class. Skyline is 1st period and Issaquah High is 7th period in the day. If brass or woodwind players want to play in band and Evergreen, they may do so if they have room in their schedule. If there is not room, wind players may play at Friday rehearsals, but will be expected to keep up with the rest of the orchestra without the benefit of daily rehearsals and will not earn class credit.

Percussionists should take percussion class and will rehearse on Fridays only.

What is the time commitment?

Evergreen Philharmonic has a demanding performance schedule with a high level of difficulty.  Members are expected to practice daily to prepare music. Home practice is where individuals learn their music, rehearsals are where they learn everyone else's part. Daily classes in addition to Friday rehearsals from 4-6PM are required. Performances are all required. Bootcamp is also required and is when seating is done in the fall. In addition to performances, the orchestra does a recording session in early June.

Are Friday rehearsals required?

Yes, Friday rehearsals are REQUIRED for ALL members of the orchestra. Sports conflicts are addressed on an individual basis and should be discussed with the director. Friday rehearsals are critical as this is the only time the orchestra can all be together other than when we perform.

How many performances does the group have?

The orchestra performs five to eight times a year. See the "Concert Series" as well as the Calendar of Events under the "Events" tab.

What does the student leadership look like for the orchestra?

Section leaders play a critical role in the organization of the orchestra. They may run sectional rehearsals and give input to the director about seating for their section. String section leaders are largely in charge of bowings. Communication with their section is important as well as communication with the director. They may also contribute relevant content to the Instagram account.

What literature/level of difficulty does the orchestra perform?

Evergreen performs professional level literature of major works whenever it is available (rather than arrangements with lowered difficulty). This means that the musicians are playing the same music that they would be reading if they were members of the Seattle Symphony. This requires a lot of individual preparation in addition to class and Friday rehearsals.

Does Evergreen attend Festival?

Evergreen attends one festival per year: the University of Washington OrchestraFest which is held in early February. More information can be found in the "UW OrchestraFest" tab.

What is the schedule for the orchestra?

You can find the calendar of events under the "Events" tab.

How do I get tickets for performances? 

Tickets are available at the door. We accept cash or card.

What is the instrumentation of the group?

The instrumentation can vary from year to year (based on submitted auditions) but generally there are 40-50 strings, 18-30 winds (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba) and four to six percussionists, piano, and harp.

Why is Longman Theater the performance home of the orchestra?

While members of the orchestra come from three high schools, Issaquah High School is centrally located in the district. This facilitates the Friday rehearsal needs of the ensemble with similar commuting distance from both Liberty and Skyline. The orchestra benefits from rehearsing in the theater each Friday and the music library is also housed in this building. The Longman Theater has the largest seating capacity in the district. Consistency of using the same performance venue is also beneficial for those attending concerts in addition to the central location.

Is the Concerto Competition open to the public?

Only members of the orchestra may audition for the actual competition. The performance is open to the public like our other performances.