Civic Youth Ensembles Mentor Program
For college and university students interested in gaining practical performance and teaching experience, the Civic Youth Ensembles offer the Mentor Program. Chosen by auditions and/or interviews, Mentors serve as musical role models for their younger peers. In addition to the learning opportunities available to Civic Youth Ensembles members, Mentors gain valuable teaching experience playing alongside and coaching their fellow Civic Youth Ensembles members. For their services, Mentors receive a stipend.
ORCHESTRA MENTOR
Orchestra mentors are accomplished classical musicians with a love of music and of interacting with and teaching young musicians. Responsibilities include playing as a member of the Civic Orchestra and running sectionals for Philharmonic and Sinfonia. The Civic Youth Ensembles strive to select at least one Mentor for each instrument type represented in our orchestras.
JAZZ MENTOR
Jazz mentors are accomplished jazz musicians with a strong understanding of jazz pedagogy and the rudiments of jazz. Additionally, applicants for these positions must display a great affection for their music and the ability to work with young musicians. Responsibilities include playing with the Civic Jazz Ensembles and running weekly workshops. Each year, the Civic Youth Ensembles aim to select at least four Jazz Mentors, each representing a different section of our jazz ensembles.
AUDITION INFORMATION
In order to qualify for a mentor position, you must be enrolled in a university music program at the time of the audition. In order to audition for a mentor position, musicians must prepare a set of specific excerpts. Please access the excepts at www.dso.org/youthensembles. To obtain the password, contact the General Manager of Civic Youth Ensembles. Musicians should also prepare one solo of his/her choice. Auditions will take place in mid May. If you are interested in auditioning, please email a letter of interest and résumé to the General Manager of Civic Youth Ensembles by April 1, 2011.
If a mentor candidate would like to be considered for a student position in one of the Civic Youth Ensembles, and if they are not accepted as a mentor, they MUST apply and audition as a student. The audition that they played for the mentor position will not guarantee that they will be offered a position as a student in the Civic Youth Ensembles.
For questions about Civic Ensembles, call 313.576.5164 or email civic@dso.org.