Membership in the orchestra is by audition, held each September. This process provides an opportunity to University of Toronto students, staff, and Hart House senior members to join the orchestra. The skill level required for membership varies from year to year, depending on the field of candidates. All candidates for orchestra membership, including returning member candidates, must audition every year. This ensures that new prospective members are given an opportunity to join the orchestra.
Open Rehearsals and Audition Signup
There will be two open rehearsals held for potential members on Tuesday September 16 and Tuesday September 23, both from 8-9 p.m. in the Great Hall at Hart House.
All students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members are invited to participate in open rehearsals.
The schedule is posted on the Calendar.
New Member Audition Signup
Auditions for new members will be held on Sunday, September 28 (although auditioning on another date may be possible if you have a conflict).
Returning Member Audition Signup
Auditions for returning members will be held on September 9th, 16th, 23rd, and the 28th.
Audition Requirements
Audition requirements are available here: 2025-2026 Audition Requirements (PDF) (Last updated: August 14, 2025). If you have any questions, feel free to email us at hho.auditions@gmail.com
Membership Fees
Following a successful audition, membership in the HHO is official upon the receipt of membership fees. Please view the details regarding membership fees [ here ].
Membership Commitments
Members are expected to attend regular rehearsals which are held in the Hart House, Tuesday evenings from 8:00 to 10:15pm. The orchestra performs three home concerts during the school year: A fall concert at the end of November, a winter concert in early February and a spring concert at the beginning of April. Traditionally the winter concert is reprised on a trip to a city in Ontario, Quebec or northeastern USA over a weekend in mid-February. In 2017, the HHO performed in Carnegie Hall, New York City. In 2019, the HHO performed in 3 cities in Germany. Extra rehearsals may take place on Sundays in the weeks leading up to a concert.