Seattle Collaborative Orchestra

Recognition

Our thanks to YOU for giving! Your GiveBIG donation allows Seattle Collaborative Orchestra to continue to remove barriers, nurture talent, and transform lives through music. None of this would be possible without our dedicated SCO community — musicians, families, educators, partner organizations, and donors like you!

Mission Seattle Collaborative Orchestra (SCO) is a diverse, multigenerational performing arts organization dedicated to diversity in symphonic music. 

Who are we? We are student, community, and professional musicians working together to create a unique and collaborative musical experience that includes a creative mix of traditional orchestral music, with an emphasis on on works written by underrepresented composers.

🎶 Help Us Change Lives Through Music 🎶

Seattle Collaborative Orchestra (SCO), believes that the passion for music is universal — but access to nurturing that passion is not. That is why we are committed to building an inclusive, inspiring, and fantastic orchestra by removing barriers and creating meaningful opportunities for musicians of all backgrounds.

SCO is a unique multigenerational ensemble made up of one-third student, one-third community, and one-third professional musicians. For the past 11 years, we’ve been dedicated to mentorship, access, and equity — fostering the growth of emerging musicians while bringing vibrant diversity to the concert stage, both in who performs and in the music we play.

Our students don’t just join an orchestra — they become part of a dynamic musical community that values their voices and nurtures their potential. Through high-level performance experiences, personalized mentorship, guidance beyond high school, and exposure to a wide range of repertoire — from classical masterworks to contemporary works by underrepresented composers — SCO empowers students to thrive.

Our musicians build meaningful relationships rooted in mutual respect, dedication, and a shared passion for exploring great music — all within a community that genuinely enjoys spending time together.

Five years ago, we deepened our commitment by launching SCORE, a program designed to reach even younger students who may not have access to private music instruction. Through SCORE, we provide free, one-on-one instrumental lessons during the school day — helping students take the first steps in their musical journey with confidence and support.

Join us. Together, we can build a more inclusive future for orchestral music — one musician at a time.

👉What our audiences think!

• "Looking at the stage, I felt it epitomized the variety that is so 'America.' Young to old, male/female, diversity of ethnic backgrounds coming together to create beautiful music. The concert was fulfilling at so many levels!" - SCO audience member
• "Wow!!! What a great program. And, the performances were captivating. I was literally on the edge of my seat." - SCO audience member
• "Some of the best music I've heard in years and not soon forgotten." - SCO audience member

👉What our orchestra thinks!

• "I like being surrounded by people that are better than me... that pushes me a lot more than if I was playing alongside other high schoolers." - SCO student
• "SCO combines the joy of an inclusive, open environment with the highest level of music-making. It truly is a very special environment." - SCO community musician
• "We are an orchestra that is far more than the sum of its parts and that reaches much farther than the music." - SCO principal teaching artist.