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
Concert Orchestra Concert: Ancient Airs and Echoes / FREE
University Symphony Orchestra Concert: Propulsion!
News
Wes Kenney, director of orchestras at CSU, is also the music director of the Denver Young Artist Orchestra (pictured)—the premier youth orchestra in Colorado. Kenney and the DYAO were named the 2020 American Prize Winner of the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award in the youth/school ensemble division. The ensemble was also awarded 2nd Place in Orchestra Performance […]
The Animaniacs was originally performed by a Hollywood studio orchestra of 40 musicians; this spring, Rogel’s Emmy-winning songs were presented by Wes Kenny conducting the CSU University Orchestra as part of Animaniacs in Concert. The concert was co-presented by the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at CSU and the Lincoln Center as part of […]
Kick off the holiday season this week at the University Center for the Arts with the annual Holiday Spectacular and Parade of Lights Preview. The Holiday Spectacular returns on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. in Griffin Concert Hall. The cost of tickets ($10/youth under 18, and $22/adults) […]
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