drawings by Keith Bendis

Take a Seat…in the Orchestra is a mentoring program for serious-minded music students to intern and perform with members of Hudson Festival Orchestra (HFO), a professional orchestra.

Each participant is assigned a mentor with whom the student rehearses and performs in various situations.  Students have the opportunity to interview their mentors, socialize with them, and learn what it is like to be a professional musician.

The inaugural program took place during the Columbia Festival Orchestra’s residency in July 2008 at PS21 (Performance Spaces for the 21st Century) www.ps21chatham.org in Chatham, NY.  Student interns performed with the CFO in the world premiere of Overture to a New Theater by Chatham High School alumnus, David Grunberg.

Tuition is free. The application procedure is straightforward: a short form, a brief statement about why the student would like to participate; and a recommendation letter from the student’s teacher. Players of all orchestral woodwinds, strings, brass, and percussion are invited to apply.

“Take a Seat” will be revived for the 2021 performance of the Hudson Festival Orchestra at Henry Hudson Waterfront Park, presenting
“Hudson in Concert: a community celebration”

We are seeking generous contributions from area foundations, businesses, and individuals to make this possible.

Hudson Festival Orchestra (HFO) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. Your donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Checks may be made out to Hudson Festival Orchestra (HFO) and mailed to Hudson Festival Orchestra, PO Box 1095, Hudson, NY 12534. To learn more visit our website: hudsonfestivalorchestra.org.