Orchestras

Under the direction of Dr. Christopher Chapman, the symphony orchestra performs several major concerts each year including full symphony orchestra concerts featuring faculty artists as soloists a music theater or opera production, and a children's concert for Mid-Michigan area fourth-graders. The CMU Symphony Orchestra is the student-based orchestral ensemble serving the university community.

Frequently the orchestra members are involved with masterclasses presented by guest artists visiting campus or soloists with the Midland Symphony Orchestra.The CMU Symphony Orchestra also sponsors an annual Concerto/Aria Competition for students of the CMU School of Music. Winners of the competition perform with the orchestra during their April concert.

CMU offers undergraduate orchestral string fellowship awards, which include substantial tuition assistance, mentoring/performance opportunities with the Midland Symphony Orchestra, and master classes with internationally known visiting artists.

Eligible students must be Michigan residents, have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and complete a required audition and interview. For more information, please contact Jamie Fiste at 989-774-1969.

Midland Symphony Orchestra Award Regulations

The CMU Concert Orchestra performs two concerts each year. All CMU students who are not necessarily music majors but wish to keep music in their lives are welcome to join. All instruments are welcome: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

Auditions are solely for placement and seating purposes. Students may prepare a solo of their choice and play it at their audition. All students have assured participation in the CMUCO. An audition schedule and sign-up sheets will be posted the week prior to the beginning of classes on the bulletin board outside of room 171 in the Music Building.