Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact us (studentsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com) if you have any additional questions!
Returning Members should have been contacted via email. If you have not received the Returning Member form in your inbox, please contact us ASAP.
About Placement Meetings
Q: Are there requirements to join SSO?
A: We have a Placement Meeting for each new member. Placement Meetings consist of:
A short excerpt that you are comfortable playing to demonstrate your experience (this can be a scale, etude, orchestral excerpt, or piece)
Sight-reading of a piece that we will provide at the meeting
Time slots are 10 minutes long. These meetings are purely used to get to know you, answer your questions, and for seating assignments; you will NOT be rejected from playing with us as a result of your Placement Meeting.
Please note: Our main ensemble has a limited number of spots available this semester, particularly in impacted sections such as violins. Due to high demand, we may close these sections early. If your section in the main ensemble closes, you will still be able to participate in our chamber programs. Please email us directly for more information.
Q: Where can I sign up for a placement meeting?
A: There’s a link the new member form based on a first come first serve basis! Depending on the time you’re reading this, our new member form may not be released yet for the upcoming season. If you’re having trouble, feel free to email us at studentsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com.
About the Organization
Q: What are the perks of being a musician in SSO?
A: So many! SSO is such a great community of non-Thornton majors who are interested in music. We schedule socials and activities for you to meet other people from disciplines all over the school. Additionally, we have a yearly internal competitions only available to musicians of the main ensemble such as the conducting competition and the concerto competition.
Q: What performance opportunities are available?
A: Our main symphonic ensemble performs in USC’s Bovard Auditorium each semester. Chamber programs such as the Large Chamber Ensemble and small individual chamber groups perform in Thornton Halls and the USC Village.
Q: Can I join in the middle of the semester?
A: This depends on SSO's instrument needs during the time - we urge you to fill out this interest forms/sign up for Placement Meetings as soon as you receive the link since we may not be able to accommodate you later in the semester.
Q: Are there leadership opportunities in SSO?
A: Yes! We are a fully student run organization, so there will be many opportunities for leadership and to help us execute our programming.
Q: Does SSO provide instruments?
A: SSO does not provide instruments; we would be happy to refer to instrument rentals in Los Angeles.
Q: Does SSO charge dues?
A: Yes. Dues are $20 per semester. This covers the rental fee for our performance hall and socials for all members!
If you are unable to pay for any reason, just let us know, and we will be more than happy to work with you!