Orchestra
NDSU Orchestra Program
University Symphony Orchestra (USO)
Full Symphony Orchestra
MUSC 304
T 6:30-8:00 (all members); Th 6:30-8:00 (winds and percussion)
Audition required. See audition information and required materials below.
The University Symphony Orchestra will rehearse and perform standard classical, traditional, contemporary orchestral and chamber music repertoire. This ensemble will provide members the opportunity to rehearse and perform orchestral literature at a high and challenging level.
USO Auditions – Fall 2025
Who Needs to Audition
All string players will need to play for Dr. Lee, but not as an audition to get into the ensemble. This informal audition is more to help me figure out chair placements and part assignments. It’s also an opportunity for violinists to tell us what parts they prefer to play. If the audition excerpts look do-able to you, you’re probably experienced enough on your instrument to play the music for this ensemble. If you’re at all discouraged, but still really want to play, please sign up and we can chat during your audition time.
PLEASE NOTE: Wind and Percussion players interested in USO should look at the Wind Symphony audition information and sign-up times. You’ll have the ability to indicate you’re interested in USO, but all wind and percussion players will audition together.
Audition Sign-Ups
This Fall, string auditions will take place on Sunday, August 24, from 5:00-7:00pm. If you’re unable to make that time, just send Dr. Lee an email (Daniel.Lee.3@ndsu.edu) and we’ll find another time to meet.
In the shared Google folder, open the file labeled “String Auditions Signup – Fall 2025” and put your name, instrument, and email address in the earliest time slot that works for you. Please do not remove anyone else’s signup, unless you’ve worked out a change with them. Violinists should also list whether they prefer 1st or 2nd parts, or both. This Fall, some rehearsals will be with the full ensemble, some will be strings only, and we may also have the occasional sectional day. The class will meet every Tuesday from 6:30-8:00pm for string players. Our concerts this semester are:
Tuesday, October 14th (7:30 concert, call time TBD, shared with University Band)
Sunday, December 7th (7:30 concert, call time TBD)
Audition Repertoire
Audition repertoire can also be found in the shared Google folder. Please download your excerpts to a personal device or print on your own. Plan on bringing your own copy (on paper or on your device) into the room for auditions.
Day of Auditions
On the day of the audition, please make sure you are warmed up and ready to play as soon as you enter the room (NDSU Band Room, same place rehearsals are normally held). Although there are signup times, auditions often run a little ahead or behind, so it may be a good idea to check on how the room is doing when you first arrive, before your warm-up.
While waiting in line outside the audition room, it’s fine if you talk quietly with others or finger through things, just please don’t play your instrument or speak loudly. Again, make sure you have your own copy of the music ready in case your audition room doesn’t have a copy for you. Feel free to dress casually/comfortably.
Audition/Part Assignment Results
Results will be sent to the email address you list on the sign-up sheet, after all auditions have been heard. Keep in mind some auditions may happen after that Sunday for people who can’t make that date.
Our first rehearsal will be on Tuesday, September 2, and I will send out an email when music is ready to be picked up if you’re able to swing by campus before our first rehearsal.
String Chamber Ensemble (SCE) – Strings Only
MUSC 316
String Chamber Ensemble will not be offered Fall 2025.
*Fargo/Moorhead Community Members who play string instruments are very welcome to participate in either or both orchestral ensembles. Please contact Daniel Lee at daniel.lee.3@ndsu.edu for requirements and further information about auditions and our season.