HSO Student Internship Program

HSO violin audition excerpts

HSO viola audition excerpts

HSO cello audition excerpts

HSO bass audition excerpts

The HSO Student Internship Program is a structured educational experience for high school string players who are members of Holland Area Youth Orchestra.

Auditions will be held August 14, 2026. Please call or email the office for information or to schedule and audition (hso@hollandsymphony.org 616-796-6780)

Application requirements:

  • Student participants must be members of HAYO. They will no longer be eligible if they leave HAYO.
  • The student will audition live for the music director and at least one additional HSO string player. The audition would consist of a prepared solo and standard excerpts. The conductor will treat the audition as a “real” audition, working with the student as in a “real” audition. Excerpts for the audition are available for download above. Simply click on the link of your corresponding instrument and download the file.
  • The student must submit a letter of recommendation from a private teacher or orchestra conductor.
  • Applicants must complete and submit the “Student Internship Application.” Click on the link to apply.

Rationale:

  • HSO can provide a highly specialized training program for exceptional string players in the West Michigan area.
  • Students will be exposed to another conductor, additional orchestral repertoire, and a faster learning cycle than what they experience in HAYO or school orchestra programs.
  • Students will learn orchestral skills and process beyond what is often covered in school/youth orchestras
  • Students will learn from mentors, stand partners, section leaders, and the conductor.
  • Students will gain “real-world” work experiences and interact with a variety of HSO members, which will prepare the students for careers and volunteerism in music and the arts.
  • HSO will gain strong string players each year.

Components of the program:

  • The student(s) will be classified as “HSO Student Interns,” and will not be considered regular HSO members.
  • The student(s) will be asked to participate in the September, November, and April HSO classics concert cycles and others as needed.
  • The student(s) will be expected to be present at all rehearsals.
  • The student(s) will be expected to prepare HSO music diligently outside of rehearsals, preferably with the help of a private teacher.
  • The student(s) will have a mentor within HSO, who will provide feedback, assistance, and training.
  • The student(s) will be seated next to players (preferably his/her mentor) who can provide assistance and feedback.
  • The student(s) will receive one-on-one feedback from the appropriate section leader(s) and music director.
  • The student(s) will receive one lesson per concert cycle with the section leader to cover the concert repertoire, with specific emphasis on orchestral playing techniques.
  • The student(s) will be expected to follow all HSO guidelines as outlined in the HSO Musicians’ Handbook.
  • Students would be appointed for a 1 year position.Students who wish to participate for more than one season will need to re-audition each year. An individual’s participation in this program could be terminated at any time by the conductor/music director and/or mentor(s).
  • The conductor is not required to accept students per year; if there are no students deemed eligible for the program, the positions will remain open.
  • At the end of the year, an evaluation will be made by the Education Team and presented to the HSO Board.

Stipends:

  • The student(s) will receive $30 per service (rehearsal or concert).
  • The student(s) will receive one lesson with the principal or assistant principal of his/her section per classical concert cycle.