Orchestral Ensembles

Ensembles are open to all UMass Amherst students (not just Music majors), subject to auditions held at the beginning of each semester.

All ensembles appear in concert on campus several times a year. Ensembles have also been selected to represent UMass Amherst at conventions and festivals that have included Symphony Hall in Springfield, MA; the Washington, DC home of the Marine Band; and the Capitol Building in Boston.

CONCERTO/ARIA COMPETITION 2025 (Entry form & rule details here)
Competition: Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, 4-7pm, Bezanson Hall
Concert: Friday, April 11, 2025, 7:30pm, Tillis Hall
Entry deadline: Fri. Jan. 31
Open to any UMass Amherst student currently taking applied lessons.
Categories: Undergraduate, Graduate, Open
Previous winners not eligible in the same category.

For both UMass Symphony Orchestra (UMASO) and All-University Orchestra (AUO):
String placement auditions, for NEW STUDENTS ONLY, take place on Mon. Feb. 3 from 1 to 3pm in Room 259 of the Bromery Center (Prof. Hidalgo's office).

New students should prepare a short solo piece (up to 2 minutes) plus the audition excerpts, which are the same as for Fall 2024. 

ALL STRING STUDENTS WHO ARE AUDITIONING MUST FILL OUT THE AUDITION SURVEY FORM. 

Spring 2025 Audition info/excerpts =>
Sign-up form - new students only 
Audition Survey form =>

Questions or can't make those times? Contact TA Sydnee Hinrichsen

For Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion auditions, please see the Bands webpage. W/B/P players should audition for placement in Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, or Symphony Band.

REPERTOIRE & SCHEDULE:
Symphony Orchestra (MUSIC 565-01): Rehearsal Schedule: MWF 2:30–4:10, Rm. 44.
Spring 2025 UMASO Concerts:

Sun. March 9, 3:30pm, Tillis Hall: UMass Opera and Symphony Orchestra
Fri. April 11, 7:30pm, Tillis Hall: Symphony Orchestra, featuring winners of the Concerto/Aria Competition
Sat. April 26, 7:30pm and Sun. April 27, 3pm, Grace Church, Amherst: Bach Festival Orchestra & Chorus, Andrew Megill, guest conductor
Mon. May 5, 7:30pm, Bowker Auditorium: Jazz Ensemble I & Studio Orchestra

All-University Orchestra (MUSIC 593J-01): Rehearsal Schedule: Wed 5:30–7:00 p.m.
AUO concert April 23 in Bezanson, 7:30pm