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Incoming Students: Fill out an orchestra audition form
Membership
Membership is open to all members of the university community regardless of their major area of study.
Auditions
Auditions are required for all new members. Audition material will consist of a solo piece or etude of the player's choice and sight-reading. Due to the need for section and seating assignments, it is imperative that the conductor hear all freshmen and transfer students two days before the start of classes. There will be a sign-up sheet outside Room 216 of The Sigfried Weis Music Building (the new music building, located next to the Weis Center for the Performing Arts).
Concert Attire
Concert attire is formal attire. Women should wear a long black dress with long sleeves, or a long black skirt with a black long-sleeve blouse, and black shoes. Men should wear a tuxedo, with a wing-collar shirt, black bow tie, and black shoes.
Rehearsal Information
Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, either on stage or in the rehearsal room immediately behind the stage. Evening access to the building is through the Technical Services door (stage door) located on the southwest corner of the building, closest to the stadium. Rehearsals are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m., but a revolving schedule of sectional rehearsals will have some players arriving at 7:30 p.m. or later. Schedules are sent by e-mail. Players are expected to arrive fifteen minutes before their scheduled time to set up and warm up.
Performance Information
The orchestra usually performs three to four programs per academic year. The first of the programs is the orchestra's annual Concerto Concert, where senior members of the ensemble perform solos with the orchestra. All concerts are held in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts.
Instrument Loans, Lessons, Practice Facilities, & Storage
A limited number of instruments are available for student use. If you need to borrow a school instrument, it is important that you inform the conductor as soon as possible before you arrive. Private lessons for most orchestral instruments are available through the Department of Music, for a semesterly fee of $350 per half-hour for non-music majors. Practice rooms are located on the lower level of the Sigfried Weis Music Building, as are a limited number of lockers for instrument storage. Arrangements for instrument loans, music lessons, and storage lockers must be made with Brenda Ross, Music Department Secretary (SWMB room 206).
Music, Instrument Supplies (strings, reeds, etc.)
Orders for standard instrument supplies–such as new strings, reeds, or electronic metronomes–are taken by Mrs. Ross (SWMB room 206), and forwarded to outside suppliers. Music for private study may also be ordered.
What to Bring With You
The music department does not equip practice rooms with music stands, so it is recommended that members of the orchestra own a folding stand. Every member of the orchestra is expected to own a metronome. Be sure to bring yours with you. String players will find it useful to have practice mutes. These extra heavy mutes allow for practicing in a dormitory room without disturbing others. Practice mutes may be purchased at cost from Mrs. Ross.
For further information during the school year, please call the music-department office at (570) 577-1216.
Summer Hours: The Department of Music office is not regularly staffed during the summer. For information on the orchestra program you may contact the conductor, Professor Christopher Para, via e-mail. (link)
Incoming Students: Fill out an orchestra audition form
