Colorado State University Orchestras are open to music majors and minors, as well as to non-music majors, creating the opportunity to participate in various ensembles and experiences while performing in a well-respected organization.
What a fine concert last night! We loved the Beethoven, of course, but we hadn't heard the Sibelius [Symphony No. 2, Op. 43, D Major] in a long time and were blown away. You have another fine group of players this year and we're looking forward to more. ~ David Lindstrom, patron
Events
University Symphony Orchestra Concert
Concert Orchestra Concert
University Symphony Orchestra Concert
News
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is thrilled to introduce Dr. Rachel Waddell as the next conductor of the University Symphony Orchestra and director of orchestras at Colorado State University. Dr. Waddell comes to CSU from the University of Rochester where she has served as the director of orchestral activities. She is the co-founder […]
Dear CSU Symphony, Sinfonia and Opera Orchestra alumni, It is my hope that you have continued to use the skills learned through the repertoire and ensemble playing you experienced at CSU. When I began my tenure at CSU’s School of Music, Theater, and Dance twenty years ago, it was my hope that we could build […]
Wes Kenney has been named the first University Distinguished Professor from the CSU School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. University Distinguished Professorships “symbolize the continuing commitment of Colorado State University to the pursuit of excellence” and are bestowed upon “the most outstanding faculty members of Colorado State University for the duration of their association with […]
Ensembles
University Symphony Orchestra
(MU 302)
The 65–90 member University Symphony Orchestra performs repertoire heard on the stages of the world’s great orchestras. It is an introduction and training ground not just for a professional orchestral career but allows music educators to become steeped in the science of how a large ensemble works. Recent performances include Brahms’ Symphony No. 2, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale” and Symphony No. 9, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, Saint-Saens’ Symphony No. 3 “Organ,” Bruckner’s Symphony No. 5, Barktok’s Concerto for Orchestra, Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. The orchestra plays four concerts a year and collaborates with CSU choral ensembles, CSU dance ensembles, and the department’s concerto competition.
The orchestra rehearses twice a week; membership is by audition only with auditions taking place the weekend before the first week of classes.
- Audition required
- Rehearses: T/TR, 2:30–5 p.m., UCA G 106
- Director: Rachel Waddell
- Repertoire (PDF)
Sinfonia Orchestra (MU 402)
The select chamber orchestra – ranging from 10–40 members – performs music from the Baroque to contemporary while specializing in the Classic period music of Mozart and Haydn. The Sinfonia has performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, Britten’s Variation on a Theme of Frank Bridge, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 “Linz,” as well as the music of several contemporary composers. The group has performed and provided sessions on ensemble training at the American String Teacher Association annual conference and the Colorado Music Educators Association annual convention; the orchestra has also been on several state tours. Additionally, the ensemble is the Ralph Opera Program orchestra, performing operas such as Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, Puccini’s Suor Angelica/Gianni Schicchi, and Britten’s The Turn of the Screw. Collaborations include the department’s concerto competition, dance concerts, and choral concerts. Players auditioning for the University Symphony Orchestra are automatically considered for this premiere orchestra.
- Audition required
- Rehearses: T/TR, 2:30–5 p.m., UCA G 106
- Director: Rachel Waddell
Concert Orchestra (MU 206)
The Concert Orchestra is open to all CSU string students who wish to continue their participation in music after high school and also serves as a working laboratory for students pursuing a Music Education degree. The Concert Orchestra allows Music Education majors the opportunity to perform on a secondary instrument, develop effective rehearsal techniques, and gain knowledge of the standard repertoire appropriate for middle or high school orchestra. In addition, the Concert Orchestra allows students enrolled in the Instrumental Conducting undergraduate class to conduct an ensemble and develop appropriate conducting techniques before their student teaching experience.
- No audition required: register and come to class
- Rehearses: M/W, 1-2:30 p.m., UCA Room 202
- Director: Rachel Waddell