{"id":12,"date":"2017-10-25T00:56:23","date_gmt":"2017-10-25T00:56:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nihco.org\/cms\/?page_id=12"},"modified":"2026-02-19T10:47:56","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T10:47:56","slug":"join","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nihco.org\/cms\/join\/","title":{"rendered":"Join Us"},"content":{"rendered":"

Information for Prospective Members<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you for your interest in\u00a0 the NIH Community Orchestra!\u00a0 Founded in 1996, we take pride in being a friendly, community-oriented group that encourages the musical growth of its members, as we increase programming of works by underrepresented and living composers. Our concerts also draw from beloved classics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rehearsals are <\/span>on <\/span>Wednesday<\/strong> <\/span>evenings, Sept.-early June, in the N. Bethesda\/Rockville area.\u00a0 \u00a0 \"\" <\/span>Concerts are performed in Silver Spring and Bethesda. The NIHCO prepares quality performances for local audiences, while raising funds for NIH Charities<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Singers interested in joining the NIH Community Chorus, please click <\/span>here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Orchestra Membership F.A.Q.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Who may join?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

NIHCO welcomes amateur musicians from across MD, D.C., and VA.\u00a0 NIH affiliation is not required, but NIH employees, including “postbacs” and retirees, are among our members. Please e-mail NIHCO<\/a> with your (1) name, (2) instrument, and (3) a brief description of your musical background.\u00a0 The orchestra typically numbers 60-65 members, with a waitlist for most instruments.\u00a0
Current openings<\/strong>: Trombone, Tuba.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Are there auditions?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Auditions are not required. However, each instrument section’s capacity, concert venue logistics, and ensuring overall tonal balance, all factor into when new members are accepted. Musicians who are invited to join (when openings exist) may attend a rehearsal or two, to gauge their comfort level.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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How much are dues?<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Dues ($125 per season) sustain NIHCO operations, including fees for renting venues and music; and honoraria for our Music Director and any guest artists.\u00a0 Dues also cover NIHCO\u2019s membership in the NIH Recreation and Welfare Association, that provides our insurance coverage and more.\u00a0 Dues can be paid via our <\/span>Square site<\/a><\/strong>, or in person at rehearsal. If full payment poses a hardship, a musician should speak to NIHCO’s Treasurer in confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n

In what other ways do members contribute?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

As an all-volunteer ensemble, NIHCO depends on its members’ involvement, both musically and organizationally. Valuable skill sets to help ensure efficient,\u00a0 successful operations include:<\/span><\/p>\n