This program gives high school instrumentalists an opportunity to perform side-by-side with musicians from the Lansing Symphony! Students participate in an audition process and, if chosen, receive the opportunity to partake in the rehearsal and performance of selections from The Nutcracker at our Holiday Pops concert. Students will gain an invaluable experience being part of a professional orchestra.
The application process for the 2026 Side-by-Side Student Orchestra is open and the deadline to submit is Friday, November 6 at 5:00pm. Audition time and location will be emailed by Sunday, November 8 at 5:00pm. Auditions will take place on November 12th beginning in the late afternoon (after school) and into the evening.
AUDITION REPERTOIRE
The 2026 repertoire will consist of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker: March, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Arabian Dance, Dance of the Mirlitons, and Trepak. Please prepare these pieces in their entirety. As we approach the audition, specific audition passages will be passed along to all applicants.
The instrument-specific parts can be found here.
The following are mandatory events, locations, and times for students participating in the Side-by-Side Student Orchestra:
Student Rehearsal & Mentor Session:
December 11th, 2026
6:30-8:00 pm
Dress Rehearsal with LSO:
December 13th, 2026
10:00 am-12:30 pm
Performance at the Wharton Center:
December 13th, 2026
3:00 pm
For any questions, contact Ashleigh Lore at:
Email: Ashleigh@LansingSymphony.org
Or Mail:
Lansing Symphony Orchestra
Attn: Ashleigh Lore
104 S. Washington Sq., Ste. 300
Lansing, MI 48933
Side-By-Side Sponsor
Capital Region Community Foundation
Jackson®