How to join a Christian orchestra in Sydney — the AChA audition process.

The Australian Christian Orchestra audition pathway: video submission, trial rehearsal, and membership. Open to Grade 7+ AMEB musicians from all denominations.

Joining the Australian Christian Orchestra is a four-step process designed to be welcoming, not gatekeeping. The standard is Grade 7+ AMEB on your instrument — but more important than credentials is musical readiness.

Step 1: Video audition

Record a short piece (3–5 minutes) on your primary instrument. It doesn't need to be virtuosic — we want to hear your tone, intonation, rhythm, and musical decisions. Submit via our Programs Interest Form.

Step 2: Video review

Our Music Director Natalia Raspopova (Assistant Conductor at Queensland Symphony, BBC Concert Orchestra) or the relevant section conductor reviews within 14 days. We're listening for the level required to handle complex orchestral repertoire at a professional standard.

Step 3: Trial rehearsal

If your video passes, you'll be invited to a trial rehearsal at Scots Church Sydney before committing to membership. This is free, with no obligation. You play alongside the orchestra for one full rehearsal — meet the conductors, meet the section, get a feel for the community.

Step 4: Membership

If the trial rehearsal goes well (it almost always does), you'll be invited to join. Annual membership is $99/year for new members, $49/year renewing. There's also a pay-per-concert option at $99/concert for those not ready to commit annually.

Who can join

You need to:

Be at Grade 7+ AMEB standard (or equivalent demonstrated standard) on your instrument
Be able to sight-read orchestral parts at a moderate pace
Affirm the Nicene Creed (Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian — all welcome)

You do NOT need to:

Be a professional musician
Belong to a specific denomination
Have any prior orchestral experience

What you'll play

Monthly concerts include sacred music (Messiah, Mozart Requiem, Vivaldi Gloria), classical orchestral repertoire (Beethoven, Bach, Mendelssohn), and new Australian Christian compositions. Our flagship concerts include Easter Night of Worship, the Christmas Concert, and the Australian Christian Proms (Sydney Town Hall, August 2026).

Where and when

All rehearsals at Scots Church Sydney, 44 Margaret Street, Sydney CBD — Thursdays 7:15–9:15 PM. Monthly main rehearsal + sectional rehearsals before each concert.

Ready to start? Apply via the Programs Interest Form or contact Natalia directly.