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Step 1
Interview conductors from around the world as you begin to build your orchestra. You need to find a conductor who has a command over musicians, as well as an intimate knowledge of the music you want performed.
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Step 2
In industry publications, post a call for auditions as you build an orchestra. Expand your advertisement of open auditions to include national publications like School Band and Orchestra Magazine (see Resources below).
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Step 3
Hunt down talented performers to fill the first chair in each section of your orchestra. You can build effective woodwind, brass, string and percussion sections in your orchestra with an experienced musician leading each section.
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Step 4
Work with your conductor and musicians to find a signature orchestral piece. This piece should be used in auditions, rehearsals and general performances to develop an identity for your orchestra.
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Step 5
Purchase stands, sheet music and other supplies to build your orchestra into a world-class organization. Your limited funds in the beginning make bulk purchases from American Musical Supply and other websites necessary (see Resources below).
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Step 6
Hire an advertising and marketing consultant to help you build public recognition for your orchestra. There are many fine-arts consultants who specialize in branding and selling orchestras to their communities. For example, you may want to consider the services available through a website like DougPatti.com (see Resources below).
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Step 7
Cultivate connections with high school and college music departments as you build an orchestra. A youth orchestra can help you develop a reliable pipeline for musical talent.
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Step 8
Diversify your fundraising resources to build a healthy orchestra well into the future. A combination of grants, private donations and public funding at the state and federal level can help you avoid reliance on a single source.
