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Symphony Orchestra
The University Symphony Orchestra has a long performance tradition of providing quality programming for students who are preparing to enter the world of orchestral performance. Students perform professional level works and present four full-length concerts each year that showcase the entire orchestra.
The San José State University Symphony Orchestra
is open to all university students and community members by audition. Performers may enroll in MUSC 153 as regular
students or through open university. The orchestra is conducted by Dr. Janet Averett at AverettJM@aol.com.
Auditions are held every semester in the one or two days before the semester starts. Sign up for a time on Room 253. Wind and percussion players who are music majors must sign up for ensemble auditions on Dr. Harris's door (Room 180). All string players must audition with Dr. Averett and can sign up on her door (Room 253). Audition repertory consists of a short prepared piece, prepared orchestra literature as assigned and will include sightreading. All strings must audition for seating. Concertmaster auditions will be more extensive.
Prepared orchestral literature: For fall, music is selected from the first concert and will be available in the music office for pick-up on August 11. Laura Karpman's Take 4+, for saxophone quartet and orchestra, only available from SJSU.
The orchestra presents two-three evening concerts each semester. The first concert will showcase SJSU faculty and the Premier Saxophone Quartet, featuring works by American composers William Bolcom, Laura Karpman and George Gershwin. The November and December concerts will feature the J.S. Bach Magnificat with the SJSU choirs, as well as another orchestral work. The March program features SJSU faculty member Carolyn Lockhart in a Vivaldi bassoon concerto, plus a Beethoven overture and other large orchestra work. The May program will be the annual concerto-aria concert, featuring student winners of the annual concerto-aria competition.
Fall Calendar
The first rehearsal will be on Tuesday, August 25, at 1:30-3:20 in the Concert Hall. Thereafter, Tuesday rehearsals will be in the Concert Hall and Thursday rehearsals in 150 unless otherwise announced.
Concert No. 1: Friday, October 9, at 7:30 p.m., in the Music Concert Hall
Dress rehearsal is Thurday, October 8.
Repertory: Works by William Bolcom, Laura Karpman and Gershwin
Concert No. 2: Friday, November 20, at 7:30 p.m., in the Concert Hall. Dress rehearsal on Thursday, November 19.
Concert No. 3: Saturday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m., at St. Joseph's Cathedral in San Jose. Dress rehearsal in the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 2.
Repertory: J.S. Bach Magnificat and other work TBD.
Spring Calendar
The first rehearsal is on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at 1:30-3:20 p.m. in the Concert Hall.
Concert No. 1: Wednesday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m., in the Concert Hall. Dress rehearsal is Tuesday, March 9.
Repertory includes Vivaldi Bassoon concerto
Concert No. 2: Friday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m., in the Concert Hall. Dress rehearsal is Thursday, April 29.
Repertory: TBD. Concerto-aria competition winners will perform.
How can I contact a member of the string faculty?
All members of the string faculty may be contacted by e-mail or through the Music Office to set up an introductory lesson.
Are private lessons open to non-music majors?
Private lessons are currently available only to music majors. Music minors may take private lessons only by permission of the Director of the School of Music and Dance.
Do I need to be a music major to perform in a String Ensemble?
No, all ensembles are open to majors and non-majors by audition.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes. Awards are based upon performance level and the specific needs of the School. Scholarship auditions are held three times annually on campus. Students who live far away may submit a recording for consideration. Contact music@email.sjsu.edu or the Recruitment Office at 408- 924-1377 for information on the dates. All music majors enrolled in the Spartan Marching Band receive an automatic supplemental scholarship award.
When should I apply for admission into the program?
Apply to the University as early as possible during the fall semester of your last year in high school or junior college. Then contact the Music Office to set up an audition or a scholarship audition.
Can anyone be a music major?
No. All students must audition for placement in the B.A. program and for acceptance into the B.M. and M.A. programs. Most music majors already have had extensive experience in their chosen area of music.
