Call For Musicians
Putnam Symphony Orchestra is always looking to fill the orchestra with talented musicians. The deadline for the spring concert has passed. We are currently accepting musician information for our fall Holiday concert. It will be performed in November 2024. Please fill out this form and keep an eye on our website for more details.
The conductor of the Putnam Symphony Orchestra is Christine Smith. Ms. Smith is a graduate of the Julliard School of Music, Pre-College Division; holds a Bachelor of Fine Art Degree from SUNY Stony Brook; and holds a Master of Science Degree in Education from SUNY New Paltz. She also received a Certificate for Meritorious Achievement from the School of Orchestral Studies.
In addition to conducting the Putnam Symphony Orchestra, Ms. Smith is a professional flutist. She has toured England with the Stony Brook Wind Ensemble and has performed at the Paul Recital Hall; Lincoln Center; Carnegie Hall; and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. She has been featured at Grace Church in White Plains at their Noontime Series; performed with the St. Peter’s Chamber Orchestra; and been a featured soloist for the US Forest Service personnel at the Harding Ice Field in Alaska.
Ms. Smith has also been an inspiration to young musicians for decades through her work in musical studies. She continues to regularly perform as a soloist with the Doansburg Chamber Ensemble, of which she is a founding member.
Ms. Smith’s principal mentors have been Alan Cox, Jeff Khamer, Samuel Baron, and Julius Baker.
Operating Principles
- The orchestra maintains a schedule of 8 to 10 rehearsals and a dress rehearsal before each regularly scheduled performance. The rehearsals are for the benefit of the musicians as well as the benefit of the orchestra as a whole. Practically, it is not expected that every musician will be able to attend every rehearsal. Musicians are, however, asked to attend at least 75% of the rehearsals. If a rehearsal must be missed, musicians are asked to notify the conductor beforehand to plan the rehearsal around the absence.
- Musicians that perform with the orchestra are, with the possible exception of guest soloists and on other rare occasions, volunteers. Professionals who perform with the orchestra do so without compensation.
- Because the orchestra relies on the help of volunteers for its daily activities, rehearsals, and performances, all members and supporters of the orchestra are encouraged to assist, if possible, in preparation for, set up, and break down for rehearsals and concerts. As a group working together, the workload is light.
- The basic purpose of the orchestra is to enjoy music while fulfilling the group’s mission to broaden the community’s cultural horizons.
- Students earn community service hours by playing in the community orchestra.