NSO Education

Application Deadline: Thursday, November 1, 2007

Young Associates' Program Application

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) is sponsoring its Young Associates' Program for high school students in grades 11 and 12 in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area who are interested in pursuing a musical career. Twenty outstanding instrumentalists (pianists are not included) will be selected to attend rehearsals of the National Symphony Orchestra and take part in seminars with conductors, artists, NSO musicians, and representatives of the arts management field. Through this program, the Young Associates will acquire an appreciation of the wide range of skills, knowledge, and abilities--managerial as well as musical--that are required to put together a performance by a major symphony orchestra. Selection process is by application.

The core of the program involves attendance at rehearsals of the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and observation of various guest artists. In addition to attending NSO rehearsals, students participate in workshops to explore careers in management, music education, publicity, music library, and other professions that are essential to the life of every successful orchestra.

Students do not play their instruments as part of the program. Students learn through listening, observation, and asking questions of professionals.

Due to the Orchestra's rehearsal schedule, most of the meetings of the Young Associates' Program take place during the school day (times and programs are subject to change). NSO rehearsals take place in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.

Students wishing to take part in the Young Associates' Program should complete the attached application form as well as write a letter of application explaining:

• Why the applicant wishes to be considered and what benefits he/she expects to derive from the program
• The applicant's desire to pursue a career in music and how participation in the program could help further that career
• The applicant's willingness and ability to meet the Young Associates' schedule

One letter of recommendation from either the applicant's instrumental teacher OR from the conductor of the organized group in which the student plays should cover the following items:

1. The musical potential and achievement of the student
2. An indication of the degree of interest and enthusiasm in a musical career displayed by the student
3. Willingness and ability to keep appointments
4. Adaptability and cooperativeness in group work
5. An indication that participation in the Young Associates' Program would increase the student's ability to pursue a career in music

Completed application form and required letters should be postmarked, faxed, or hand delivered no later than Thursday, November 1, 2007. Applications posted after that date will not be accepted.

Young Associates' Program Application

Letters of Application and Recommendation should be sent to:

or

Fax: (202) 416-8853

Questions about the NSO Young Associates' Program?
Please call. (202) 416-8820