New World Symphony: Side-by-Side Competition

The New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy (NWS), is pleased to offer advanced instrumentalists (7-12th grade) an opportunity to participate in its 2025 Side-by-Side Orchestra. Accepted students will participate in events, sectionals, rehearsals, and a concert with NWS Fellows on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Students will also have the opportunity to audition for the 2025 Concerto Competition (optional). The winner of the Concerto Competition will perform during the Side-by-Side Concert on Saturday, April 26, 2025. 

Who

Advanced string, woodwind, brass, piano, harp, and percussion students (Grades 7-12)

When

• Application Opens: September 16, 2024
• Application Deadline: December 3, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET

How to Apply

• Select the applicable Program from the drop down menu
• Complete the application and upload all necessary media by December 3, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET

Questions? Contact
Elyse Marrero, Director of Community and Equity Impact

Application Guidelines

First round auditions will take place via submitted videos. Results from the first round will go out in December, including invites for the final live audition on February 17, 2025. Final results will go out to all applicants in early March. No late applications will be considered.
Please complete the application and upload the following materials:

Audition Excerpts (Required)

All students will be asked to prepare two specific excerpts. The excerpts are listed within your instrument's application and copies of excerpts (for certain instruments) can be found under the RESOURCES tab on the NWS Acceptd landing page. You can begin your application, save it, and return later to upload your video. Please review the audition requirements carefully by instrument. 

Concerto Competition (Optional)
If you would like to be considered for the Concerto Competition, please submit the following:

• One movement of a concerto (*must be with piano accompaniment)
• Finalists will be invited to compete in the Concerto Competition Live Auditions at the New World Center on January 20, 2025.

*If you do not see your instrument listed in the drop-down menu and would like to apply to the Concerto Competition, please select the following program option: "Concerto Competition Application." 

Letter of Recommendation
You will be asked to provide your reference's name and email address. This reference will receive an email from Acceptd to upload their letter of recommendation upon submission of your application.

Resume
Please provide a resume that includes your musical accomplishments. If you would like a sample template, please CLICK HERE. You can also find a template under the RESOURCES tab on the NWS Acceptd landing page.

Important Dates

Application Opens: September 18
Application Deadline:  December 3
Concerto Competition: January 15
Final Auditions: February 19

Welcome Dinner: April 1
Sectionals: April 8 and April 9
Rehearsals: April 23 and April 24
Side-by-Side Dress Rehearsal: April 26
Side-by-Side Concert:  April 26

If you have any questions, please contact Elyse Marrero at elyse.marrero@nws.edu

For technical questions, please check out our Acceptd Applicant Support Help Desk.