NOVA Manassas Symphony auditioning players for the 2010-11 season
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May 20, 2010 - The NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra is holding auditions for qualified violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists, including principal bass, for the 2010-11 season, beginning with concerts in August 2010. There are 2 to 4 openings available in each of the string sections. Wind, brass, and percussion players may audition to be placed on the symphony's substitute list.

The auditions will be held by appointment at Grace United Methodist Church in Manassas. Auditions are scheduled between 7:00-8:30PM on the following dates:

Interested musicians should contact the orchestra to schedule an audition time. This can be done by email at personnel@manassassymphony.org or by phoning (703) 257-6500 x47737. Walk-in auditions are strongly discouraged.

The NMSO is a high-quality, full-size, all-volunteer community-service orchestra. The symphony was recognized as one of ten national semi-finalists for the 2010 American Prize for Community Orchestras. All members donate their time and considerable talent, so these are non-paying positions. Further information on the orchestra can be found at http://www.manassassymphony.org. The symphony performs its subscription series in the beautiful Merchant Hall at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

These positions are open to all interested adults, college students, and exceptionally well-qualified high school students Grade 10 and above. College credit is available through NVCC. Tuition costs are provided as a scholarship from the Orchestra's Board of Directors. This appointment may continue into future seasons upon agreement of the music director and player.

The audition will consist of two prepared pieces of the player's choosing that demonstrate adequately the player's skill level. The pieces should be contrasting styles - preferably one fast piece that demonstrates technical skills and another slower, lyrical piece that demonstrates intonation and tone quality.  A brief interview with the music director will also be held, highlighting the experience and commitment level of the musician. 
 
Qualified candidates will have some experience playing in a symphony orchestra, some familiarity with standard orchestral repertoire, acceptable sight-reading skills, and the availability to attend scheduled rehearsals and concerts for the season.

The 2010-11 concert schedule is as follows:

The orchestra rehearses Wednesday evenings at Metz Middle School in Manassas.

NOVA Manassas Symphony named semi-finalist for The American Prize
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April 12, 2010 -The NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra has been selected as a semi-finalist for The American Prize.  This prize is being awarded for the first time this year and its purpose is to reward the best recorded performances of music by individuals and ensembles in the United States at the professional, community/amateur, college/university, church and school levels.  The NMSO is competing in the community/amateur orchestra category.  In addition, NMSO Music Director James Villani has been named a semi-finalist in the Conductor category.

To compete for the prize, an orchestra must submit at least 30 minutes of recent recordings.  The NMSO submitted selections from concerts performed in the 2009-2010 season.  Winning orchestras receive cash prizes and award certificates. Finalists receive certificates and written evaluations. Semi-finalists receive certificates. Finalists and winners are announced to local and national arts media and on the American Prize web site, where winners will also be profiled. That web site is http://www.theamericanprize.org.

This honor is indicative of the growth of the NMSO as the community’s foremost orchestral performing ensemble.  The final concert of this season will be performed on May 8, 2010 at 7:30 pm at Grace United Methodist Church. Next year the NMSO will perform its entire season at the new Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Prince William campus of George Mason University and will be the only orchestra to do so.

The NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra is an all volunteer community service organization comprised of residents of the greater Manassas area and students at the Northern Virginia Community College's Manassas Campus.  The orchestra exists for the purpose of performing symphonic literature to provide high quality, low cost, and family-friendly orchestral experiences for the community along while providing a performance outlet for area musicians.  The symphony performs four subscription concerts each season. In addition, the symphony and affiliated groups make several other concert appearances.