I agree that talking it can't hurt to talk with music director. I would go into in telling them your are confused about how the details of admission to this program works, and that you would hope they would clarify them for you. Sounds like decisions have already been made for this summer, but it doesn't hurt to have a good idea of how it works for next year.
One thing I noticed in your last message, you are using the term nominated. To me that means a music director or teacher choices a few top players out of their orchestra/band to go to an audition for entrance into the orchestra. There is then an audition, where the musician has to show ability and final decisions are made buy those directors. One has a greater chance of participating in these if one pays a more unusual instrument.
Good Luck.
