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 take place on Wed. 9/4/24 (new students) & Thurs./Fri. 9/5 and 9/6/24 (returning students) or by appointment, 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.  Returning students should prepare just the excerpts.

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

Ensemble audition information & excerpts =>
Sign-up form (new students) =>
Sign up form (returning students) =>
Audition Survey form =>

Questions or can't make those times? Contact 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.
Fall 2024 UMASO Concerts (in Tillis Hall):

Tues., Oct. 15, 2:30-4:10pm: Dress Rehearsal; 7:30pm: Concert - Prokofiev Suite Scythian op 20; Brahms Symphony 2 

Mon., Oct. 21, 6:30-10:00pm: Max Roach Celebration Rehearsal
Tues., Oct. 22, 6:30-10:00pm: Max Roach Rehearsal
Wed., Oct. 23, 7:30pm: Max Roach Concert TBA

Multibands - November 6, 7, and 8 (Schools matinees 11/7 & 8; public concert 11/8, 7:30pm)

Mon., Dec. 2, 2:30-4:10pm: Dress Rehearsal
Tues., Dec. 3, 7:30pm: Concert - Britten, Four Sea Interludes op 33a; Rachmaninoff Symphony 3

All-University Orchestra (MUSIC 593J-01): Rehearsal Schedule: Wed 5:30–7:00 p.m.
AUO concert November 20 in Bezanson, 7:30pm
Elgar Serenade op 20; Reinecke Serenade for Strings, Respighi Ancient Airs & Dances, Suite No. 3