Sharing stands with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, SFCM students turned preparation into performance.

Thirty-eight students played side-by-side with members of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra (SFBO) February 24 for a rehearsal reading during their residency at SFCM, which culminated in a SF Ballet Orchestra Community Concert February 26.

Students and SFBO musicians.

Together, students and SFBO musicians tackled The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky in SFCM's largest venue, the Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall. The iconic ballet score, known for its technical demands and vivid orchestration, offered students a true professional immersion experience.

"The whole process was fun and engaging," said clarinet student Luis Becerra. "It was the perfect environment to experience a 'trial by fire' for performing such amazingly difficult music like The Firebird. From the intense preparation to the insightful live work with the pros, I really appreciated everything from this experience."

“I always love working with the SFCM students,” SFBO Music Director Martin West said. “It was wonderful to spend a few hours playing Firebird with them and having them learn from members of the SFBO sitting beside them.”

SFBO Music Director Martin West leads the orchestra.

"The SF Ballet Orchestra is a fantastic group of musicians that really know how to have a great time while playing together," added violin student Aleksi Zaretsky. "Playing with them is always a privilege and I learn a lot from their enthusiasm, sound, and attention to detail."

SFCM violin professor Cordula Merks serves as concertmaster of the SFBO, alongside several faculty members including Adam Luftman and Kevin Rivard. Partnerships like this provide students unique opportunities to collaborate with leading professional ensembles and gain firsthand industry experience.

The connection between SFCM and the San Francisco Ballet runs deep. The two institutions partner on the Denis de Coteau Fellowship—named for the Ballet's longtime music director and SFCM faculty member—which provides funding, mentorship, and performance opportunities for two students each year. Earlier this season, 2009 composition graduate Ilya Demutsky had his work Eugene Onegin premiere with SF Ballet, and in 2022 students also performed side-by-side with the SFBO in a collaboration concert at SFCM.

"The repertoire felt complex but was rewarding by the end," said double bass student Riley Collier. "I had a great time playing with the SFBO and was able to meet and talk to more people in a professional setting."

"It was a great insight into what being in a professional orchestra is like," Anna Chung, a clarinet student said. "Everyone was so nice and encouraging!"

For violin student Rachel Green, it was a "really insightful experience," both musically and for real-world experience. "My stand partner talked with me about her audition process to get into the orchestra, which was really helpful since I will be graduating and taking auditions in just a few months. I was so happy to have this experience!"

Learn more about studying at SFCM.