One question I am often asked is, "How do you decide what the orchestra will perform for Southeast Texas?" The answer is that building a season is both an art and a puzzle. Long before the first rehearsal begins, we spend months discussing repertoire, guest artists, special projects, and the overall experience we want audiences to have throughout the year. We have a number of committees … [Read more...] about Maestro’s Notes: Building a Symphony Season
News
Maestro’s Notes: What Happens During the Summer at SOST?
Many people think that once the final notes of the season are played in the spring, the orchestra simply “goes away” until September. In reality, summer is one of the busiest and most important times of the year for the Symphony of Southeast Texas. While there may be fewer concerts on stage, a tremendous amount of work is happening behind the scenes to prepare for the upcoming season. Summer is … [Read more...] about Maestro’s Notes: What Happens During the Summer at SOST?
“Groovin’ in Downtown Beaumont”
Hey Southeast Texas! Join us for a night of “Groovin’ in Downtown Beaumont!” We are excited to present a collaborative night out in association with Bon Vivant and Beaumont Children’s Museum for our upcoming concert “Aretha: A Tribute,” on Saturday, March 7th. Looking for a pre-concert meal or cocktail? Bon Vivant has you covered!Bon Vivant will be open during their normal hours from 11:00 … [Read more...] about “Groovin’ in Downtown Beaumont”
2026 Concerto Competition Winners
1st Place: Cara Lewis, Piano Cara Lewis is a homeschooled piano player in the 11th grade. She has been playing the piano since she was around 3 years old and has taken piano lessons for 11 years. “I honestly don’t remember [how I decided what instrument to play], but my parents tell me that I’ve always had an affinity for the piano,” Cara said. Cara thanks her piano teacher Dr. … [Read more...] about 2026 Concerto Competition Winners
SYMPHONY OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER AUDITIONS FOR VIOLIN, VIOLA, FLUTE II/PICCOLO, AND OBOE III/ENGLISH HORN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Symphony of Southeast Texas Chelsea Tipton, II, Music Director & Conductor JUNE 27, 2025 Beaumont, Texas The Symphony of Southeast Texas announces auditions to be held in Beaumont, Texas, on Friday, September 5, 2025 for the following positions: -Flute II/Piccolo -Oboe III/English Horn Auditions for the following positions … [Read more...] about SYMPHONY OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER AUDITIONS FOR VIOLIN, VIOLA, FLUTE II/PICCOLO, AND OBOE III/ENGLISH HORN
SYMPHONY OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR PRINCIPAL TRUMPET
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Symphony of Southeast Texas Chelsea Tipton, II, Music Director & Conductor ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR PRINCIPAL TRUMPET Please post or forward to interested parties. April 21, 2025 Beaumont, Texas The Symphony of Southeast Texas announces auditions for Principal Trumpet, to be held in Beaumont, Texas, on Saturday, June … [Read more...] about SYMPHONY OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR PRINCIPAL TRUMPET
SOST ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR THE 24-25 SEASON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Symphony of Southeast Texas Chelsea Tipton, II, Music Director & Conductor ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR 2024-2025 SEASON Please post or forward to interested parties. July 9, 2024 Beaumont, Texas The Symphony of Southeast Texas announces auditions for the 2024-2025 Season, to be held in Houston, Texas, at Rice University on Saturday, September 7th. All … [Read more...] about SOST ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR THE 24-25 SEASON
SOST announces New Executive Director
The Symphony of Southeast Texas is thrilled to announce our new Executive Director, James Strawther. James, a 2001 Lamar University graduate, has been a percussionist with the SOST since 1998, becoming Principal Percussionist in 2002. Since 2000, he has held various administrative positions including Stage Manager, Librarian, and Personnel Manager. Since 2010, James has been the … [Read more...] about SOST announces New Executive Director
