The Kent State University Orchestra is one of the major performance ensembles in the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music.

Membership in the orchestra is open to all Kent State University students, undergraduate and graduate, through audition. 

CONTACT

Dr. Jungho Kim, Director of Orchestra
jkim73@kent.edu | 330-672-9235
Like our Facebook page for regular updates on the orchestra's activities! 

2018-19 Season Dates

Oct. 7 | Nov. 4 | Dec. 2 | Feb. 17 | March 15, 16, & 17 (KSU Opera) |  April 13 (Evening the the Orchestra) | May 5

Performances

Each year, the orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire from the Baroque period to the present. The orchestra performs a season Subscription Series of five performances, as well as the annual Evening with the Orchestra event, opera performances, and other special events. Soloists appearing with the orchestra include members of our performance faculty and winners of the annual Student Concerto Competition. Kent State choral ensembles often collaborate with the orchestra in the presentation of major works for chorus and orchestra. The Kent State Opera joins the orchestra in presenting a major opera each year.

For a complete listing of performances, visit our events page.

membership

Selected by audition every fall, the members of the Kent State University Orchestra represent a diverse range of degree programs both within and from outside the School of Music.

Auditions

Auditions for string players typically happen during the first week of classes and are open to any students who play an orchestral instrument at Kent State University. All string players who wish to play in the orchestra need to audition -- even if you were already a member in a previous semester.

Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion instrumentalists: A single audition is used for placement in all of our concert bands and the orchestra.

For audition information, excerpts and to sign-up for an audition, please visit our Instrumental Ensemble Audition page. 

The Kent State University Orchestra rehearses on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons, from 2:15-4:10 p.m. in Ludwig Recital Hall. 

How should you prepare for this audition?

Find recordings of the piece, if you don't already know it. Learn what the whole orchestra sounds like in each excerpt. Practice musically and expressively--not just technically. Sometimes the excerpts don't show the tempo; you need to find the whole part on IMSLP.org, or listen to some recordings to get a good idea of how fast you should play each excerpt.  You should also be aware of how these excerpts fit into the whole piece. You can download the entire part for your instrument for this symphony here.  If you're completely unfamiliar with the idea of auditioning on orchestral excerpts, please read this brief article which offers some good preparation suggestions.

TICKET INFORMATION

You can purchase School of Music event tickets through:

• The Performing Arts Box Office
  • Monday through Friday noon to 5 p.m.
  • Roe Green Center lobby, Center for the Performing Arts at 1325 Theatre Dr., Kent Campus
• Online for Cartwright Hall and Ludwig Recital Hall concerts
• Call 330-672-ARTS (2787)
• an hour before the performance at the performance's location.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Cash, and Check. Please make all checks payable to the School of Music. If you would like further information or have questions please contact the Box Office at 330-672-ARTS (2787). Please be advised all sales are final, no refunds, and no exchanges.