The Pit Orchestra

• SMTS works in close partnership with an instrumental ensemble of highly skilled student and Glasgow-based musicians who, under the baton of our Musical Director (MD), accompany our performances.

• Our pit orchestra includes both professional musicians and talented individuals who play in various musical groups within the university.

• Participation in the SMTS pit orchestra is a voluntary opportunity at the time of engagement. However, we are committed to taking all necessary steps to secure funding wherever possible, with the aim of offering modest compensation aligned with the standard rates of similar theatre societies across the Central Belt.

Freshers Information 2025/26

Hey! If you’re a fresher interested in joining SMTS’s pit, check out the information we’ve put together—it answers some of the most frequently asked questions from previous years!

SMTS's pit orchestra work in proud association with members of Strathclyde University Jazz Orchestra (SUJO), Strathclyde Universtiy Symphony Orchestra (SUSO), and Strathclyde University Concert Band (SUCB).

Getting Involved!

• If you like what you've read and would like to join our pit orchestra then please get in touch with out musical director at: md.strathmusicalsociety@gmail.com.

• For the 2025/26 academic year, SMTS will be inviting microauditions for new members interested in joining our pit orchestra. These short video submissions, roughly 30 to 60 seconds in length, give us a chance to get to know your playing and help us make informed decisions when allocating parts.

  • As part of the signup process, which you can begin by emailing the address above to request the form, you'll be asked to submit a video featuring an excerpt of your choice that showcases your ability on your primary instrument. Existing recordings are welcome, provided your playing is clearly audible — please avoid ensemble recordings where it's difficult to assess individual performance.

  • If you've previously played in the pit for one of our licensed SMTS productions, there's no need to audition again. This process is specifically for musicians we haven’t yet had the chance to work with.

  • While submitting a microaudition isn't mandatory, it is strongly encouraged. The more we know about your playing, the better we can place you in roles that match your strengths and meet the technical demands of the score.

• Please note that that each production we licence has varying and specific sets of instrumentation which we must abide by. Because of this we ask that you check the orchestra requirements for upcoming shows if you wish to be in them. If you apply and your instrument is not featured we will keep your details on file and contact you when we acquire materials that include the instrument(s) you applied with.