As a community orchestra, Sage City Symphony welcomes new players - particularly violinists, violists, and cellists - who share a love for the orchestral repertoire. The orchestra usually has 45 to 55 players from nearby Bennington and Shaftsbury as well as northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts and the Albany area in New York State and beyond. 

No audition is required, but musicians should be able to play works of moderate difficulty. The season runs from September through May. Commitment to all concerts throughout the entire season is not required; however, it is expected that players will participate in all rehearsals scheduled for each concert in which they intend to perform, unless anticipated absences are approved by the Symphony Manager.

Rehearsals are held in Greenwall Auditorium in the VAPA Building at Bennington College on Sunday afternoons 2:45-5:30 PM, with occasional changes to accommodate Bennington College events. Performances are also in Greenwall Auditorium, on Sundays at 4 PM, following a brief 2 PM warmup, and the dress rehearsal is held the day before (Saturday). 

Rehearsals for our fall concert start in September. The symphony is off from Thanksgiving to early January, when it starts rehearsing for a Winter chamber orchestra program in February. The March concert is often oriented toward young people: composers, soloists, or audience. We finish the season with our Spring Concert late in May.  

The fall and spring programs generally feature a major work from the orchestral repertoire, such as Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, Hindemith's Mathis der Maler, or a Bruckner symphony. SCS commissions and performs one new work each season.  

Rides or carpooling may be available. Consult with the Orchestra Manager for information on players coming from your area.  

COVID and ILLNESS PROTOCOL: We follow guidelines issued by the CDC, the State of Vermont, and Bennington College. 

Questions may be directed to Orchestra Manager Diane Bargiel at notabene@crocker.com or 413-687-1109.