2024-2025 MTSU ORCHESTRAS
Join an MTSU Orchestra this Semester!
2024 MTSU High School Honors Orchestra
High School Seniors- Apply for an MTSU Music Scholarship Audition! Music Scholarship Auditions are open to students in all majors!
Apply Now! 2025 Summer Orchestral Institute! (NSOI)
THE MTSU SYMPHONY
Dr. Carol Nies, Music Director
The MTSU Symphony is the premiere orchestral ensemble of the MTSU School of Music. Repertoire is selected from masterpieces of the standard orchestral literature and outstanding contemporary compositions. The Symphony is open to all MTSU students (regardless of major), faculty, staff and community members by audition. Audition information is listed below.
MTSU Symphony String Audition results will be posted on the Orchestra Bulletin Board (located outside of the IRH/WMB 173) on Monday afternoon, August 26. The first rehearsal (Strings only) is Tuesday, August 27.
MTSU Symphony Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion and Harp Audition results will be posted on the Orchestra Bulletin Board (located outside of the IRH/WMB 173) on Wednesday afternoon, August 28. The first full MTSU Symphony rehearsal (Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Strings) is Thursday, August 29.
MUEN 3300-001
Rehearsal Times: Tuesdays 5:00- 6:30 PM Thursdays 5:00- 6:30 PM
Rehearsal Call-Time: 4:45 PM
Location: Instrumental Rehearsal Hall, WMB 173 and Hinton Music Hall
Contact Dr. Nies for more information. (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu | 615-898-5318)
WOODWINDS, BRASS AND PERCUSSION AUDITIONS:
MTSU Symphony woodwinds, brass and percussion members are selected by auditions at the MTSU Large Ensemble Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion Auditions. Excerpts and audition instructions will be posted on the MTSU Bands web-site during July.
STRING AUDITIONS:
4) pick-up to E to rehearsal figure 16
HARP AUDITIONS:
MTSU Symphony Harp auditions may be scheduled by contacting Dr. Crocker at: Sarah.Crocker@mtsu.edu
THE MTSU CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Advanced string players, regardless of major, are encouraged to audition for the Chamber Orchestra. Weekly rehearsals culminate in a performance at the end of the semester. Students learn diverse repertoire and ensemble skills in a friendly but focused environment. String Audition Excerpts and Audition information are posted above.
Rehearsal Time: Mondays 3:00- 4:25 PM
Location: Hinton Music Hall
Contact Dr. Andrea Dawson for more information. (Andrea.Dawson@mtsu.edu) | 615-898-2484)
THE MTSU CONCERT ORCHESTRA
Membership in the MTSU Concert Orchestra (woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp, piano, and strings) is open to all MTSU students, faculty, staff and community members. An audition is not required. Repertoire is selected from all periods of orchestral literature. The MTSU Concert Orchestra has premiered many compositions and arrangements by MTSU students. Contact Dr. Carol Nies, Music Director to reserve a position in the Concert Orchestra (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu). Music Education, Performance, Music Composition and Music Industry majors may audition to serve as assistant conductors.
Rehearsal Time: 3:15- 4:15 PM, Fridays (Instrumental Rehearsal Hall)
First Rehearsal- Friday, August 30
Register for MUEN 3360-001
Location: Instrumental Rehearsal Hall, WMB 173 (School of Music)
Check the MTSU Orchestra Bulletin Board outside of the Instrumental Rehearsal Hall, WMB 173 for updated Rehearsal Information
Contact Dr. Nies for more information. (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu | 615-898-5318)
2024 MTSU HIGH SCHOOL HONORS ORCHESTRA!
Friday, November 1 - Saturday, November 2, 2024
Click here for the 2024 MTSU High School Honors Orchestra Application Form!
The Priority Deadline for MTSU Honors Orchestra applications is October 12, 2024. You may apply after this date, but as there are a limited number of 2024 MTSU High School Honors Orchestra positions, positions are usually filled before or by the Priority Deadline. Apply now!
There are no fees to participate in the MTSU Honors Orchestra, as this project is funded by MTSU as a public service for high school music students. (All meal costs and hotel costs are the responsibility of each participant.)
Contact Dr. Nies for more information. (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu | 615-898-5318)
FRIDAY, November 1- Full Orchestra (Strings, Winds, Percussion, Harp)
9:00 AM- 9:20 AM Registration- School of Music Lobby
9:30 AM- 9:00 PM Rehearsals and Honors Orchestra Activities (Marching Band students with a Friday night School Marching Band commitment will be excused from the Friday night Honors Orchestra rehearsal.)
SATURDAY, November 2- Full Orchestra (Strings, Winds, Percussion, Harp)
9:30 AM- 3:30 PM Rehearsals and Activities
4:00 PM MTSU Honors Orchestra Concert
2024 MTSU HIGH SCHOOL HONORS ORCHESTRA AUDITION INFORMATION
2024 MTSU High School Honors Orchestra Application
- String seating placement auditions will take place during the first rehearsal. Audition material will be selected from the 2024 MTSU HSHO repertoire.
Contact Dr. Nies for more information. (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu | 615-898-5318)
MTSU HONORS ORCHESTRA HOTEL INFORMATION
(For students and their families who are from outside the Middle Tennessee area)
SLEEP INN- SPECIAL MTSU HIGH SCHOOL HONORS ORCHESTRA RATE:
193 Chaffin Place- exit 78B from Interstate 24
Call 615-396-3000 to reserve a room at the special MTSU High School Honors Orchestra rate*. Rooms at this special rate are limited, so reserve your room as soon as possible. The 2024 MTSU HSHO discount rate is listed under "MTSU Honors Orchestra" rate. There are also many excellent B and B's available in the area. (All hotel costs and meal costs are the responsibility of each participant.)
*PLEASE NOTE- Check with Sleep Inn for their cancellation policy.
If the Sleep Inn (193 Chaffin Place) is full, ask if there is a special rate for MTSU activities at the hotel that you are making a reservation at. Many hotels in Murfreesboro do offer special rates for MTSU activities.
THE 2025 SUMMER ORCHESTRAL INSTITUTE AT MTSU! (NSOI)
Open by audition to College Students, Graduate Students, Adults and Students (8-12th grades)
Tuesday, May 27 - Thursday, May 29
Apply Now! There are only a limited number of Orchestral positions available!
College Students, Graduate Students and Adults may apply for a limited number of Fellowship openings.
The 2025 Summer Orchestral Institute features an intensive orchestral experience, professional orchestral repertoire, section rehearsals with outstanding professional musicians, the 2025 SOI Honors Recital Series, the 2025 SOI Concerto Competition and the final Gala Concert! Tuition is $60. Limited scholarship aid is available.2025 Information and Online Application- Click here!
2025 Concerto Competition Information and Application Form- Click here!
The Concerto Competition is open to all 2024 Summer Orchestral Institute members (including Fellowship members)
Contact Dr. Nies, Director of Orchestras, MTSU School of Music for more information. (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu | 615-898-5318)