The orchestra's membership is a blend of professional music faculty and student musicians. Each section of the orchestra works under a faculty principal who is both section leader and coach. Membership is open by audition to interested players from all schools and departments of the University. You'll gain valuable experience in ensemble playing and in the art of solo improvisation, and may take private instruction in jazz improvisation, perform in small combos and participate in jazz workshops held by such major figures as Michael Brecker, John Abercrombi, Dave Leibman, Bob Moses, Clark Terry, and Joe Henderson. Singers participate in selected scenes from a vast spectrum of repertoire in two concerts a year.
Enrollment is open to all by audition.
One to two hours academic credit for undergraduates. The group's repertory has included works such as Orff's Carmina Burana, Bach cantatas, and favorite a cappella pieces from around the world. In the Fall the group will perform the entire Handel Messiah with orchestra. In the Spring its concert will include lovesongs by Brahms in German and Igor Stravinsky's exhuberant Les Noces with an orchestra of four virtuosic pianists and six percussion. This will be the premiere performance of that renowned work in Charlottesville.