Jackson Symphony audition process called into question, Symphony responds

JACKSON, Tenn. — Decisions made by a local organization were called into question by a group that advocates for musicians.

On July 1, the Nashville Musicians Association (part of the American Federation of Musicians) issued a press release regarding concerns about The Jackson Symphony’s management actions. The release detailed musicians’ experience with an audition process and musical director selection, which the release states was outside of the “industry norm.” The release aims to explain “the reasons that the majority of the orchestra will not be returning for the 2025-2026 season.”

On July 3, The Jackson Symphony issued a press release in response to the concerns raised. The release reminds that The Jackson Symphony is not a union orchestra, and states that the Symphony has “consistently and in good faith adhered to industry standards in all artistic and administrative operations, especially throughout its recent audition process.” The release offers several clarifications of issues raised by the Nashville Musicians Association’s statements.

To learn more, read the full press releases from both the Nashville Musicians Association and The Jackson Symphony below.

Press Release from Nashville Musicians Association:

Jackson Symphony Future Threatened by Management Actions; Musicians Reach Out to Community and Patrons

July 1, 2025

The musicians of The Jackson Symphony (TJS) wish to inform the community of Jackson and its faithful patrons of the symphony about the events of the last few months, as well as the reasons that the majority of the orchestra will not be returning for the 2025-2026 season. After the conclusion of the 2024-25 season in April, symphony management told the musicians of TJS that they must audition for the new music director if they wanted to return for the coming season. In addition, the new music director was selected without soliciting input by the full orchestra, as is the industry norm. Musicians were told that the auditions were:

“Closed auditions for current Jackson Symphony musicians who have performed in at least 50% of the concerts over the past two seasons… [and would be] conducted blind [behind a   screen] to ensure fairness and focus solely on musical performance.”

Musicians were given only 19 days to prepare for these auditions, much less time than the industry norm. The musicians were unilaterally led to believe that their jobs were secure and that no one would be auditioning for seats that were “regularly occupied,” which was simply not true.

As many orchestra members began preparing for auditions (April 29-May 3), they noticed numerous inconsistencies with the audition process as outlined. For example, there were musicians at the auditions who had never performed with TJS. Some musicians who did not qualify for the closed auditions were offered positions anyway, and other musicians who DID qualify never received an invitation. Standard orchestral audition practices require that all musicians playing behind the screen are playing the same repertoire for their instrument and position, yet that was not the case. In addition, when musicians had audition date conflicts, some were offered the option to record an audition, while others were not. All of these things significantly compromised the integrity of the audition process.

By May 5, 2025, more than half of the existing TJS musicians, including at least 10 principals, were either removed from their positions, demoted, put on the substitute list, or resigned.

Many longtime musicians who have performed regularly for 10, 20, and even 30-plus years with TJS are deeply troubled for both the community of Jackson and the close-knit family that the orchestra had become. These actions by management are very disrespectful of all of the hard work TJS musicians have put in over the years to bring excellent music to the city of Jackson. For TJS management to fail to communicate thoroughly and truthfully, to suddenly uproot so many musicians from their well-earned positions, and then immediately promote a “better than ever orchestra” is unprecedented in the professional orchestral world. The musicians of The Jackson Symphony, both former and present, feel it is absolutely essential to bring awareness of these recent events to the community of Jackson and the musicians of Tennessee.

Press release from The Jackson Symphony (July 3, 2025)

The Jackson Symphony Affirms Commitment to Growth, Transparency, and Artistic Excellence
Response to July 1 Statement from AFM Local 257 and AFM Local 71

JACKSON, TN — In response to the July 1, 2025, release circulated by the Nashville and Memphis chapters of  the American Federation of Musicians, The Jackson Symphony reaffirms its steadfast commitment to  transparency, fairness, and artistic excellence as it continues a period of necessary and exciting organizational growth. 

Contrary to implications in the union’s statement, The Jackson Symphony is not a union orchestra—a fact consistent with many of its regional peers, including the Arkansas Symphony, Paducah Symphony, and  Owensboro Symphony. As a non-union organization, TJS has nonetheless consistently and in good faith adhered to industry standards in all artistic and administrative operations, especially throughout its recent audition process. 

Embracing Change, Securing the Future 

The Jackson Symphony has historically evolved in response to the needs of the Jackson community and its  growing regional presence. Over the years, TJS has transitioned from a community ensemble to a freelance, professional orchestra. Today, it is embracing its next chapter as a fully auditioned professional orchestra—a  strategic and essential step designed to foster consistency, raise artistic standards, and meet increasing  demand across West Tennessee. 

The recent audition process, overseen by new Music Director Paul Haas, included blind auditions for musicians  who had performed in at least 50% of concerts over the past two seasons. This opportunity was extended as a  courtesy to longtime freelance musicians—a level of accommodation not typically afforded under “industry  norm” circumstances. The organization went further to ensure flexibility and access, offering multiple audition  dates, personalized scheduling, and even remote audition options when needed. 

Statements suggesting musicians were misled or removed from “positions” mischaracterize the nature of The  Jackson Symphony’s historic freelance structure. Freelance musicians were hired concert-to-concert, and no  tenure or job security was ever implied or guaranteed. No musician was “demoted” or “removed”; those not  selected for the newly created core ensemble were added to a substitute list for future opportunities, consistent with standard orchestral practice.

To Clarify 

• All excerpts used in the audition process were standardized for each instrument, and auditions were  held blind to ensure fairness. 
• A diverse committee—made up of board members, community leaders, and musicians familiar with  the orchestra—was assembled for the music director search, consistent with TJS’s freelance model at  the time. 
• Freelance musicians who had been contacted following the 2024–25 season and chose not to participate in the audition process, created vacancies that were filled through open national auditions. The Jackson Symphony is proud that the auditions drew a strong pool of candidates from across the United States, reflecting widespread interest in being part of our growing orchestra. 

Looking Ahead 

“Our commitment is to the people of Jackson and the wider West Tennessee region,” said Board President Greg Alexander. “We are proud of our long history, but we are even more energized by our future. This  transformation is about building a consistent, high-level professional ensemble that reflects the incredible  momentum we’re seeing in our community and on our stage.” 

In the past year alone, The Jackson Symphony has seen unprecedented growth in ticket sales, donor support,  and artistic ambition. The 2025–26 season, under the baton of Music Director Paul Haas, marks the launch of a  fully auditioned orchestra—one that will deliver greater musical excellence, consistency, and service to its  audience than ever before. 

“While any transition brings change,” said Executive Director Sherry Freeman, “The Jackson Symphony remains confident these efforts will result in an even stronger institution—one capable of inspiring future  generations and elevating the cultural landscape of West Tennessee.” 

About The Jackson Symphony
Founded in 1961, The Jackson Symphony is West Tennessee’s premier professional orchestra, presenting  innovative performances, youth music education, and community programming for more than 35,000 people  annually. The 2025–26 season marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter with a fully auditioned  orchestra and bold artistic vision.

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