WSCO Honor Student Program – Application Guide 2025

🎻 WSCO Honor Student Program – Application Guide 2025
🎯 Program Overview
The WSCO Honor Student Program is a new pilot program designed to support high school musicians who are preparing to apply for college music programs. Our goal is to provide personalized, high-quality coaching to help level the playing field for students who may not otherwise have an easy access to private instruction or audition prep resources.
This opportunity includes one-on-one coaching, audition preparation, and involvement in WSCO activities.
This program supports WSCO’s mission by investing in young musicians and increasing community engagement.
✅ Who is Eligible?
To apply, students must meet the following criteria:
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🎶 Be a current WSCO member during the Honor Student Program period (2025-2026 season).
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🎓 Be in their junior or senior year of high school (11th or 12th grade).
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🎼 Be actively applying or planning to apply to college-level music programs.
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🎻 Play one of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba
📝 What’s Required to Apply?
Here’s what you’ll need to submit by Tuesday, June 17th, 5pm PST:
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Application Letter
Write a short letter (1 page max) explaining:
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Why you want to be part of this program
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Your goals as a musician
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How this opportunity will support your college journey
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Music Director Reference
Ask a current or former music teacher/director to write a short letter of recommendation (1 page max) that speaks to your commitment, talent, and readiness for this opportunity.
If selected, you will move to the final audition round on Tuesday, June 24, 6pm, location in West Seattle TBD.
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Live Audition & Interview
You’ll perform a short audition in front of a small jury of musical educators and WSCO board members and answer a few informal questions about your musical journey and college plans.
🎉 Laureates will be announced on Wednesday, June 25 via email.
🎓 What Will Students Do?
If selected, you’ll:
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Receive 6 hours of one-on-one coaching from a professional musician at Chief Sealth International High School on WSCO rehearsal nights
Develop your own goals and session plans with your coach (mock auditions, technique focus, etc.) -
Participate in a WSCO ensemble
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Volunteer at a WSCO event or activity during the season
📬 How to Apply
Submit your application materials by Tuesday, June 17th, 5pm PST to: lison@wscorchestras.org
Include:
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Your full name, grade, school, and instrument
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Your application letter (PDF)
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Your music teacher’s reference letter (PDF or email)
All students will be notified of their application status by June 20, 2025 by email
📣 Questions?
Feel free to reach out to:
🎻 Lison J., VP External
📧 lison@wscorchestras.org
We’re happy to answer any questions or help you prepare your application!