University Orchestra

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The Colgate University Orchestra follows a distinctive model in which professional musicians and students work side by side, always communicating, learning from, and teaching each other. The orchestra performs two concerts per semester.

Repertoire

The University Orchestra performs a repertoire of professional caliber. A selection of recent pieces performed includes:

  • Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 4 in F Minor
  • Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue
  • Copland – Appalachian Spring
  • Beethoven – Symphony No. 5 in C Minor
  • Brahms – Symphony No. 4 in E Minor

View live and archived concert videos

Participation and Credit

The orchestra rehearses Wednesdays from 7:00–9:30 p.m. and also intermittent Monday evening sectionals just for strings. The orchestra is not limited to music majors — all are welcome to audition. It is also possible to receive course credit for participation in the orchestra. Students may register for credit before their second consecutive semester of participation in the orchestra. Students may obtain a maximum of two credits (for four semesters) for orchestra participation.

An orchestra informational meeting for musicians is held in the Dana Arts Center, Room 122, shortly after first-year students arrive each academic year. Auditions, usually on Labor Day, are informal. Students should arrive prepared with five minutes of any solo work, and be prepared for two minutes of sight reading.

There is simply nothing that parallels playing major works alongside professional musicians, especially with the incredible sound and precision that we are able to produce as a group.