Orchestra Descriptions PDF Print E-mail
The Symphony, conducted by artistic director Michael Webster, is a full-sized symphony orchestra of approximately 100 members and is geared towards the advanced player. Repertoire includes music on the university and professional levels.  Sectionals explore the interpretive and more complex aspects of orchestral music.  Winners of the annual Concerto Competition are featured in concert with the Symphony orchestra.  In recent seasons Symphony has performed works by Bernstein, Britten, Mahler, Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky. 
 
The Philharmonia, conducted by  Michael Alan Isadore, is a full-sized symphony orchestra of approximately 100 members and is for the intermediate/advanced player.  Literature choices are designed to expose students to a diversified selection of orchestral music.  Sectionals allow students to focus on challenges specific to their instruments.  Winners of the annual Concerto Competition are featured in concert with the Philharmonia orchestra.  Philharmonia's recent performances have included works by Liszt, Mendelssohn, Smetana, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky.
 
The Sinfonia, conducted by Zachary Carrettin, is a full-sized orchestra that allows the intermediate string player an opportunity to build upon techniques learned in the String Orchestra and offers young woodwind, brass and percussion players an entry-level orchestra experience.  The Sinfonia performs intermediate-level symphonic repertoire appropriate to the students' level of development.  Recent repertoire for Sinfonia has included works by Bartók, Copland, Glière, Grieg and Schubert.
 
The String Orchestra, co-conducted by Carolyn Vandiver and  Ann Victor, provides entry-level string players with a comprehensive ensemble experience.  Literature is selected to broaden repertoire and learn more advanced techniques when following a conductor.  Members also learn how to utilize specific bowing techniques such as spiccato, staccato, hooked bowings and legato.  String Orchestra's recent performances have included works by Bach, Boccherini, Händel, dello Joio and Saint-Saëns