<p>Anyone done it? What instrument did/do you play? How was the experience, etc.</p>
<p>There are two orchestras: University and Symphony. Symphony orchestra is composed of music majors in all sections. The string sections of University Orchestra are generally all non-music majors; however, the wind sections are often music majors. The conductor, Wes, is awesome but I think he might be graduating. University orchestra plays very demanding literature, including Firebird, Symphonic Metamorphosis, etc. as well as more traditional classical fare.</p>
<p>I’m thinking about auditioning in the fall as well. I play the violin, and i was wondering if it is very competitive to get into the university orchestra as a nonmajor violinist? I am very nervous about auditioning and just wondering how many freshman usually get in?</p>
<p>I’m not completely sure how participants are selected. From what I know, I don’t think it’s ultra competitive. It’s a fairly self-selecting group. Not a huge number of violinists (or any instrumentalists for that matter) can tackle difficult rep successfully. It also is a fairly significant chunk of time (TTH 2 hours + concerts). So if you’re willing to make the commitment, I’m sure you’ll find a place.</p>
<p>Hey, I used to be in UT University Orchestra violinist for all 4 years of my UT education. The orchestra is comprised mostly of non-music major orchestra and band musicians, with occasional piano guest appearances (usually current grad students invited to perform). I first auditioned the first fall semester of freshman year. It was a great experience and I heard they recently hired a conductor from Juilliard? The other conductor I had while at UT I believe is still there. You have to prepare a slow and fast piece (2 total) and perform in front of the conductors (scheduled time you must sign up for the first week of classes, the sign-up sheet is usually located at the music buidling in front of the practice hall). It was not as difficult as say, auditioning for UT Symphony (mostly reserved for music majors), but it was competitive. If you were the all-region type in high school, you’ll surely get in. If not, just practice harder.</p>
<p>We met 2 times a week, Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00-8:30pm. You cannot miss rehearsals unless you notify ahead of time (usually make-up through performing in front of the conductor a particular excerpt from current concert repertoire).</p>
<p>The music we had ranged from all kinds and we often had guest appearances from talented grad student musicians. Concerts are twice a semester, on Tuesdays (replacing the rehearsal time) from 7:00-9:00pm. Overall, I really enjoyed orchestra and it was a stress reliever simultaneously. I met new friends and the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. Also having a 1 credit course for fine arts requirements, which can be repeated as many semesters as you wish, was a great benefit! You can choose to audit the course too without a grade. Also, orchestra usually ended 2-3 weeks before finals week following the second concert, which was nice. I wish you all the best and hope you consider auditioning!</p>