University Symphony Orchestra
Jason Altieri, D.M.A., Conductor
University Symphony Orchestra
Check the Department of Music Events Calendar for details of upcoming performances.
The University Symphony Orchestra is a full-sized symphony that performs four concerts during the academic year. Our mission is to explore great orchestral repertoire in an atmosphere that is fun and light-hearted while still maintaining high professional standards.
The orchestra is comprised of both music majors and non-music majors. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm in the large ensemble room in the Church Fine Arts Building.
Ensemble Registration
Undergraduate Music Students
- String Students - To fulfill degree requirements, string students (except guitar) are required to participate in the University Symphony Orchestra.
- Guitar Students - Guitar students should enroll in MUSE 153/453/653 to fulfill their ensemble requirement.
- Wind and Percussion Students - To fulfill degree requirements, wind and percussion students can choose the University Symphony Orchestra to fulfill the major ensemble component of the major, although there are other choices. The requirement for the major is participation in one of the following major instrumental ensembles:
- Keyboard and Guitar Students - To fulfill degree requirements, keyboard and guitar students are required to participate in a major ensemble. The University Symphony Orchestra qualifies as a fulfillment for this requirement. Keyboard students may substitute up to 50% (four semesters) of major ensemble requirement by enrolling in MUS 229, MUS 429 and MUS 629, Techniques of Piano Accompaniment. Guitar students may substitute up to 50% (four semesters) of major ensemble requirement by enrolling in MUS 205, MUS 405 and MUS 605, Guitar Ensemble.
Graduate Students
- To fulfill degree requirements, graduate students in the Department of Music are required to participate in some form of conducted or coached ensemble for a minimum of two credits. The University Symphony Orchestra qualifies as a major ensemble for this degree requirement.
Audition Information
The Department of Music considers this ensemble to be a Major Ensemble. Registered participation in Major Ensembles fulfills certain degree requirements. Find out more below and consult your advisor.
The Department of Music offers opportunities to any University student demonstrating sufficient musical ability to participate in performing ensembles. Because most of these ensembles require an audition, students should seek the instructor's approval prior to registration.
UNR's Orchestral Career Studies Graduate Program (OCS)
Under the direction of Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio, this special, two-year graduate degree program for violinists, violists and cellists culminates with a Master of Music degree and is designed to train young string players for successful careers in major symphony orchestras. Special emphasis is placed on training musicians for the rigorous audition process necessary to win a professional orchestra job.
Students in the OCS program will be offered principal positions in the University Symphony Orchestra. For more information:
