Most orchestras fill their seats through formal auditions.
But at Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, the roster grows in a very different way: through referrals, relationships, and trust.
In this episode of Classical Gassing: Conversations About Culture & Community, Bernadette Stockwell chats with Claflin Hill's Executive & Artistic Director Paul Surapine taking us behind the scenes of how an orchestra without auditions has not only thrived for 25 years, but developed a distinctive “Claflin Hill sound” and spirit.
Paul shares the story of starting out as an orchestra contractor, making phone calls on legal pads in the pre-email era, and slowly building a trusted network of musicians. From Nutcracker pits to symphonic debuts, the orchestra’s growth has always depended on community connections.
We also talk about:
Why auditions can be stressful and misleading — and why referrals often work better.
How sitting next to someone in a rehearsal tells you more than any prepared excerpt ever could.
The role of trust, dependability, and musicianship in building an orchestra family.
How section leaders recruit and shape their groups, passing on the Claflin Hill “style.”
A behind-the-scenes story of scrambling to replace a concertmaster the week of Mahler’s Fifth — and how the orchestra rose to the challenge.
Why many of today’s symphony players are alumni of Claflin Hill’s Youth Orchestra program.
At Claflin Hill, filling the roster isn’t about numbers or auditions. It’s about people. It’s about musicians who share energy, spirit, and joy — creating performances that audiences don’t just hear, but feel.
🎻 Join us as we explore the human side of orchestral life and discover what makes this orchestra unique.