Orchestras

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

News

Talented Student Soloists Take On Symphonic “Tour de Force”

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Brianne Little Promotional Photo

The orchestra, directed by Wes Kenney, will perform Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in f minor, one of the most intense symphonies ever written.  “Only the best of orchestras can attempt to play this symphonic tour de force,” said Maestro Kenney. “The difficulties lie in the rhythmically complex first movement, its lovely lyrical second movement, the […]

University Symphony Orchestra heads out on tour

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Wes Kenney pictured conducting

The Colorado State University Symphony will hit the road Feb. 13 – Feb. 19 to visit four cities west of the Front Range; Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Breckenridge and Grand Junction, Colo. The orchestra, directed by Wes Kenney, will perform one of the most intense symphonies ever written on this tour: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in […]

Griffin Concert Hall featured on cover of School Band and Orchestra Magazine

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School Band and Orchestra College and Career Guide cover

Fort Collins, Colo –The Griffin Concert Hall, at Colorado State University’s University Center for the Arts, is pictured on the cover of the 2011 edition of School Band and Orchestra’s Music Students’ College Search and Career Guide. This special edition features profiles of music schools across the nation, as well as tips for incoming music freshmen. […]

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

Concert Orchestra (MU 206)

The Concert Orchestra is open to all CSU strings students who wish to continue participating in music after high school and 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 string orchestra repertoire. Concert Orchestra also provides additional conducting and operations experience for students. 

  • No audition required: register and come to class
  • Rehearses: M/W, 1-2:30 p.m., UCA Room 202
  • Director: Rachel Waddell