ISO at Third Street and Third Street Orchestras
Principal
Auditions
2025 Auditions
Horn
The "principal" in an orchestra is the leader of an instrument section, often called the "first chair."
Their responsibilities include performing solos for their instrument, setting the style and tone for their section, and leading the section to play together in time.
About the Role
The ISO at Third Street Symphony Orchestra invites outstanding and dedicated student French Horn players to audition for the Principal French Horn position for the 2025-26 concert season.
This position provides a chance for students to gain exceptional orchestral experience in a supportive environment, and perform in some of the most prestigious concert venues in NYC.
Benefit
This a sponsored position and covers the full tuition for the school year ($2,645 worth).
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Horn section during all rehearsals and performances, ensuring excellent intonation and cohesive sound.
Perform all principal French Horn solos with technical precision and musical artistry.
Serve as a mentor for less experienced horn players in the section.
Work closely with the conductor and other principal players to shape musical interpretations during rehearsals.
Attend all scheduled rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts, arriving on time and prepared with all assigned music.
Qualifications
Open for students ages 14-18 as of November 1, 2025.
Must possess advanced technical skill and musicality on the French Horn, including sight-reading proficiency.
Previous orchestral or advanced ensemble experience is required.
AUDITION DETAILS
All candidates should submit a screening video audition between October 23 and November 3, 2025
The audition video should include a solo piece of the candidate's choice and two scales of the candidate's choice.
No accompaniment is required.
It is recommended to choose scales and a solo that best showcase the candidate's technical and lyrical abilities.
Take a video (phone videos are acceptable), upload to a shared folder or a video platform (OneDrive, iCloud Drive, Google Drive, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.), and provide the link(s) on the application. Be sure to include the title of the piece and the composer's name.
After November 3rd, a select number of candidates will be invited for an in-person audition.
Altman Family Chair
The Principal Horn position is supported by Edward and Elaine Altman, inhonor of their son Greg, a former ISO horn player.
About the ISO at Third Street Symphony
An advanced orchestra, the Symphony brings together young instrumentalists for inclusive, ensemble-based music-making in a friendly environment. Symphony combines young instrumentalists, professional section coaches, expert conductors, and exceptional concert experiences for an exciting and impactful orchestral experience.
