The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) and Music Director, Dr. Carolyn Watson, announce auditions for the 2025-2026 season. Auditions will take place Sept. 3rd from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT (and Sept. 10th if needed) at the Presbyterian Church of La Porte, located at 307 Kingsbury Ave, La Porte, IN 46350.
The orchestra is seeking qualified musicians to fill the following vacancies:
● Trumpet 3/Section Trumpet
● Section Violin I
● Section Viola
● Associate Principal Cello
● Section Cello
● All instruments are available to audition for subbing opportunities
The 2025-2026 season will feature eight performances: four mainstage classical subscription concerts as well as the Hoosier Star Fundraiser, Children’s Education Concerts, Holiday at the Pops, and Friendship Botanic Gardens Concert. The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is a per service orchestra offering contracts on an annual basis. All positions are paid starting at $25.41 per rehearsal, $38.12 per concert, plus travel compensation at $0.25/mi up to 75 miles for each round trip. Titled positions receive a higher rate, and principal players receive an additional $25 per cycle. The 60-piece orchestra includes musicians from Michigan City, La Porte, Chesterton, Valparaiso, Merrillville, South Bend, as well as Illinois and Michigan.
Dr. Carolyn Watson says, "I am absolutely delighted with the continued expansion of the LCSO. From the group’s humble beginnings as a community orchestra a little over fifty years ago, we have grown into a professional ensemble drawing on musicians from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. I am excited by this continuing trajectory of growth, development and improvement, building on our already solid foundations."
Watson adds: "I know our musicians are excited to potentially welcome new friends and colleagues to the orchestra. The LCSO is a very friendly, welcoming and supportive environment, and this is indeed one of the things I love about working with them. That, and the fact that they laugh at my jokes!"
Please follow this link to register for your audition:
Audition Requirements for all musicians:
1. One solo with two contrasting movements OR two contrasting solos from the standard repertoire
2. Two standard orchestral excerpts for your instrument
For more information or questions please contact our Personnel Manager at lcsopersonnel@gmail.com.
About the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra
The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of the vibrant arts landscape in Northwest Indiana. The orchestra serves the 110,000 residents of La Porte County and regions beyond, including Southwest Michigan. Now in its 53rd season, the LCSO has grown from a small community orchestra into a dynamic, professional organization of 60 musicians serving audiences from seven counties. Each year, the orchestra presents four subscription concerts, in addition to the Hoosier Star, Holiday at the Pops and Children's Education concerts.
La Porte County Symphony Orchestra | PO Box 563, La Porte, IN 46352 | 219.362.9020 | executive@lcso.net | lcso.net