How to Join
No mandolin orchestra can ever have too many members. All players of mandolin-family instruments (mandolin, mandola, octave mandolin, mandocello, cittern/liuto cantabile, mandobass and string bass) are welcome to join the orchestra. Most of our arrangements also have parts for nylon-string classical guitar, so guitarists are welcome as well.

We make every effort to accommodate new players of any ability. We are in this for the fun! It helps if you already know how to read standard notation, but we can also make tablature available. We can also arrange for lessons to help you build your skills.

SMO charges $150 in annual dues to its members. Dues are a major source of income for SMO. They cover many of our expenses, including paying the director, purchasing music and music editing software, publicity, and rental of rehearsal/performance spaces.

Dues are collected every Sept. 15. Payments may be split, with $75 due Sept. 15 and another $75 on Feb. 15. Members who join in other months will pay $15 per month until the next annual dues date. Scholarships and student discounts are available. Talk to the treasurer or one of the Board members. Tax-deductible donations above the set dues amount are gratefully accepted. SMO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Rehearsals are Monday evenings at 7 p.m. at OneLife Community Church, 3524 NE 95th St. in Seattle's Matthews Beach neighborhood. It is a good idea to call our membership coordinators, Tom and Jill Hudon, at (425) 422-7341 or before showing up for the first time.