Auditions for spring 2011 membership in the Buffalo State College Philharmonia will be held Monday, January 24, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Rockwell Hall.

Buffalo's first college-community orchestra, the Buffalo State College Philharmonia, includes experienced musicians from campus and throughout the region.

The 75-member ensemble features locally based musicians along with Buffalo State faculty, staff members, and both music and non-music majors. Players have been drawn to the orchestra as a way to continue to rehearse and perform.

The ensemble is conducted by Paul Ferington, lecturer of music. Ferington conducted the Niagara Community Orchestra for 12 years and is in his 26th year as a staff conductor with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Since debuting in 2009, the Philharmonia has performed regular concerts including a special guest appearance with the college's Chamber Choir, Wind Ensemble, and West African Drumming Ensemble at the inauguration of President Aaron Podolefsky.

The group's first spring concert is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15. Additional spring concerts take place April 19 and April 28.

Community musicians are invited to audition. Auditionees must prepare a short solo piece of their choosing (three minutes maximum; piano accompaniment is not required) and choose an orchestral excerpt from the Philharmonia website. To schedule, please e-mail Ellen Barnum at bscphil@gmail.com.