Orchestra
NDSU Orchestra Program
Separate courses – 1 credit each. May be repeated for credit.
University Symphony Orchestra (USO)
Full Symphony Orchestra
MUSC 304 0-1 (#24515)
6:30-8:00 p.m. Tuesday
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 String Audition Information – Spring 2025
USO auditions for STRING PLAYERS for the spring 2025 semester will take place Monday, January 13 starting at 5 p.m. in the Choir Room (Room 122 of the Music Education Building). To schedule an audition, please contact Dr. Sigurd Johnson at sigurd.johnson@ndsu.edu.
Auditions are for all incoming/first time string players and any returning SCE string players interested in moving or adding playing in the USO. Follow the link of your instrument to access the excerpts and scales for the audition.
Violin – Excerpt – Scales
Viola – Excerpt and Scales
Cello – Excerpt and Scales
Double Bass – Excerpt and Scales
Helpful Hints:
The piece from where the excerpt is chosen is listed. I encourage you to listen to recordings/videos of the piece to gain a better understanding of the style and context (keep in mind the tempo of a professional orchestra may not be what the composer indicated – use the tempo I have on the excerpt). You may play both excerpts if you wish.
USO Winds, Brass, and Percussion Auditions – Spring 2025
These will take place the first week of classes and will be administered by the individual instrumental studio teachers. Please contact them to get more information on required music and to schedule an audition time.
FLUTE: Dr. Laura Kellogg – laura.kellogg@ndsu.edu
CLARINET AND OBOE: Dr. Cassie Keogh – cassie.keogh@ndsu.edu
BASSOON: Dr. Martin Vanklompenberg – m.vanklompenberg@ndsu.edu
TRUMPET: Dr. Jeremy Brekke – jeremy.brekke@ndsu.edu
HORN: Kayla Nelson – kayla.l.nelson@ndsu.edu
TROMBONE AND TUBA: Connor Challey – connor.challey@ndsu.edu
PERCUSSION: Dr. Sigurd Johnson – sigurd.johnson@ndsu.edu
String Chamber Ensemble (SCE) – Strings Only
MUSC 316 0-1 (#25324)
6:30-8:00 p.m. Thursday
Audition required. See audition information below.
The String Chamber Ensemble (Strings Only) will focus on developing technical skills and ensemble playing though string orchestra repertoire. Membership in this ensemble will provide string players the opportunity to rehearse and perform in an ensemble setting which – while still be committed to excellence – will be less arduous and less stressful than in the USO.
All String Students and *Community Members selected to play in the USO through audition are strongly encouraged to participate in both the USO AND the SCE.
SCE Audition Information – Spring 2025
SCE auditions for the spring 2025 semester will take place on Monday, January 13 starting at 5 p.m. in the Choir Room (Room 122 of the Music Education Building). To sign up for an audition or if you need to reschedule, please contact Dr. Sigurd Johnson at sigurd.johnson@ndsu.edu.
This opportunity is for all incoming/first time members wishing to play in the SCE. Each student must play a 2-3 minute self-chosen excerpt. This can be any piece that you feel demonstrates your playing skill.
*Fargo/Moorhead Community Members who play string instruments are very welcome to participate in either or both orchestral ensembles. Please contact Sigurd Johnson at sigurd.johnson@ndsu.edu for requirements and further information about auditions and our season.