Eligibility

All applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be between the ages of 18-26 during the apprenticeship.
• Be a person of color.
• Have significant experience in orchestral performance at the high school, college level, post secondary, or conservatory level and must possess ability to function in professional atmosphere.
• Express a sincere interest in pursuing music as a career.
• Completely fill out the enclosed application form and provide all requested materials.
• Perform an audition.

Current Mentors

Charles Schuchat, tuba
Renee Baker, viola
Dileep Gangolli, clarinet
Janice McDonald, flute
John Fairfield, French horn
John Floeter, bass

Lead sponsor

The Chicago Federation of Musicians is proud to be a sponsor of Project Inclusion in partnership with the Chicago Sinfonietta.

Project Inclusion:
Musicians of Color Mentoring Program

Introduction

The Chicago Sinfonietta, the Chicago College of the Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, the DePaul School of Music, the Northwestern University School of Music, and Merit School of Music, are proud to offer a new opportunity for young orchestral musicians of color.

"Project Inclusion" has been developed to provide a one to two year apprenticeship with the Chicago Sinfonietta that includes rehearsing/performing with the orchestra for selected concerts during its nine-concert season, one-on-one mentoring with a senior member of the ensemble, additional performance opportunities, and assistance in getting placement with other orchestras. Apprentices will receive a $1,000 - $2,500 scholarship depending on the extent of their involvement to be determined by the Music Director each year they are involved in the program.

Program Commitments:

All applicants are required to make the following commitments:

1. Be available to perform at selected (by the Music Director) subscription pairs and attend the related rehearsals.
2. Meet at least four times during the course of the mentorship with a senior member of the Sinfonietta and attend a few related events, e.g. donor cultivation gatherings, press conference announcing the program, etc.
3. Perform at a minimum of three community service outreach programs per year.

Note: All program criteria is subject to adjustment as deemed necessary by the Music Director

Chicago Sinfonietta mentors will:

1. Provide coaching on technique, and specifically work with the apprentice on specific challenges posed by the repertoire for the upcoming concert.
2. Provide coaching on how to function in a professional setting and life inside the orchestra. This will include tips on proper conduct, how to dress, attitude, punctuality, orchestra protocol, etc.
3. Provide advice on audition preparation.
4. Provide advice on how to survive and thrive as a freelance musician including how to get work, make contacts, etc.
5. Conduct mock auditions in front of a committee comprised of the mentors, music director, and others in the field.

Let's hear it for program for minority musicians

Chicago Sun-Times
Esther J. Cepeda column

Sinfonietta plans to help minority musicians
Chicago Tribune article

Downloads

Application Form [pdf]

Audition Guidelines [pdf]

Program Deadlines and Timeline

• Applications will be distributed to potential mentees by September 14, 2008
• Applications are due by Monday, October 1, 2008 and may be submitted electronically to
  via fax to 312-236-5429
  or via regular mail to:
  Chicago Sinfonietta
  70 East Lake Street, Suite 226
  Chicago, IL 60601
• Auditions will be scheduled between October 15th and November 16th. Place and time TBD.
• Mentees will be chosen by December 3, 2008.
• The first concerts will take place January, 2009 with rehearsals scheduled for the week before.

Chicago Sinfonietta Project Inclusion Committee

Chair - Maestro Paul Freeman, Founding Music Director
Vice Chair - Renee' Baker, Personnel Manager and Principal Violist
Vice Chair - Jim Hirsch, Executive Director
Others TBD