Ensemble kicks off its sixth season with a Halloween-themed program celebrating the music of film and fantasy
The Fairmont Community Symphonic Band (FCSB) is now accepting video auditions for its Fall 2026 concert season. Auditions are open to advanced musicians of all ages on woodwind, brass, percussion, piano, harp, cello, and double bass.
A Program Built for the Season
This fall, FCSB turns the lights down low for a concert of music from film and fantasy, fitting for an October performance. The program includes Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, a suite of Harry’s Wondrous World drawn from the Harry Potter scores, selections from Sweeney Todd, and At the Movies: Haunted Nights — a medley featuring music from IT, Saw, Scream, and the Halloween theme.
“It’s a program we’re really excited about,” said Co-Conductor and Co-Founder Chris Moran. “These pieces let our musicians dig into some atmosphere and drama that we don’t always get to explore, and with concerts landing in October, the timing couldn’t be better.”
Why the Ensemble Remains Audition-Based
FCSB continues to hold open auditions before each of its two annual seasons.
“There are three fundamental reasons auditions are important,” Moran explained. “They give musicians motivation to improve their seating from season to season, they allow us to balance the ensemble, and they keep the door open for new community members.”
When reviewing submissions, Moran said the conductors listen for “tone quality, intonation, articulation, phrasing, dynamics, and overall musicality.”
For musicians preparing their videos, Moran offered this advice: “Spend time with the part, know how you want to play the excerpts, practice — and then relax.”
Season and Audition Details
- Video Submission Deadline: Friday, July 24, 2026
- Selection Notifications: Monday, July 27, 2026
- Rehearsals: Mondays, August 3 – October 5, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM Fairmont Senior High School Band Room (No rehearsal September 7 — Labor Day)
- Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, October 11, 2026 | Time TBA
- Concerts:
- Sunday, October 11, 2026 | Time TBA | Location TBA
- Sunday, October 18, 2026 | Time TBA | Location TBA
“Participating in our ensemble is an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience,” said Moran. “We have a lot of fun, but we also take it seriously. Our rehearsals are structured and occasionally intense, and our musicians are expected to prepare outside of rehearsals. We believe in honoring the full instrumentation of a piece — and that gives our musicians the chance to perform with a truly complete, fully voiced ensemble.”
Interested in joining the ensemble? Click here to learn more and get access to audition materials.