Performing largely classical music, the orchestra@uwaterloo includes strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion players. ItÌýis re-formed each term based on auditions. Undergraduate students form the majority of the orchestra's 60–70 musicians, thoughÌýfaculty, staff, graduate students, and alumni also participate. The orchestra's Music Director isÌýDaniel Warren. Members represent an academic cross-section of the university, with the Math and Engineering Faculties particularly well-represented. Every two years the orchestra holds a Concerto and Aria Competition open to all UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ students.Ìý
1. Participant Form
To participate in the OrchestraÌýyou need to fill out theÌýParticipant FormÌý EVERY TERM. There is no LEARNÌýfor Ensembles, so this is a crucial step. For further questions please emailÌýAngelica Allen,ÌýEnsemble Coordinator.
2. Audition
If you have not participated in the OrchestraÌýpreviously, you will need to audition. You will also need to re-audition if you have not played recently, i.e. within the last year. Auditions will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:30pm, and on Thursday, May 8 from 3:00 to 5:00pm.ÌýÌý
You will get the audition link when you fill out the Participant form.
See additional audition information for details about audition repertoire, etc.The director will let you know if you are admitted or not.
NOTE: We will start with the first full rehearsal on May 14 at 7pm. Make sure you fill out the participant form, even if you have been in the orchestra for multiple terms.ÌýÌý
3.ÌýCredit
Register onÌýÌýif you are taking the Ensemble for credit.Ìý Also noteÌýit is your responsibility to drop the course on Quest if you do not pass the audition or choose not to participate.Ìý An Ensemble credit is 0.25 units AND you can add this on a normal course load or ask your advisor for permission to override your course limit.ÌýÌýÌýThere is a $30 fee for students who are not taking the Ensemble for credit, and non-students will be charged a $60 fee.
4.ÌýCourse requirements
- In person rehearsal WednesdayÌýfromÌý7:00-9:30Ìýmost weeks.
- Rehearsals start May 14 at 7pm, in the Great Hall at Conrad Grebel University College. Please come a few minutes early to set up the stands. Note: there is no rehearsal on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
- Winter term: Participation in an end of term concert on Sunday, March 23 at 7:30pm at Knox Presbyterian Church.
Spring Term: Participation in an end of term concert on Sunday, July 20 at 7:30pm at Knox Presbyterian Church. -
Read the Winter 2025 Orchestra Information SheetÌý (Spring coming soon)
- Pay the membership fee (for those NOT Taking orchestra for credit) An online link will be sent once the term has started.
- $30 for students
$60 for everyone else
- $30 for students
- We are willing to make special arrangements for those who cannot afford the fee.
PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS TAKING ORCHESTRA FOR CREDIT DO NOT PAY A FEE.Ìý HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN 2 ABSENCES YOU WILL NOT GET THE CREDIT.
The orchestra rehearsesÌýon WednesdayÌýnights at Conrad Grebel University College, from 7 to 9:30 pm during the Fall, Winter and Spring terms.ÌýÌý
New Award: The John and Erma Stutzman String Scholarship. This award is open to string students in Music studio, both majors and non-majors.
MoreÌýOrchestra informationÌý- including previous recordings and the Concerto & Aria Competition