Andrews University Symphony Orchestra
Additional performance recordings - highlights from our performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony can be found here and our first concert livestream of the 2020-21 school year, titled "Awakening," can be found at this link
Welcome!
The Andrews University Symphony Orchestra is an advanced symphonic orchestra half comprised of students majoring in music, as well as students with other majors, alumni, and additional members of our local community. Therefore, all musicians in and around Andrews University are encouraged to audition for membership in the AUSO. Our musicians encompass all of the string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments found in a professional symphony orchestra. More information can be found below and also on the Auditions webpage, and you can also contact the orchestra's conductor, Dr. Marc Elysee.
The orchestra rehearses from 7-9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week that classes are in session, unless notified otherwise by the conductor (sometimes rehearsals may finish before the final week of classes). The majority of the orchestra's content is orchestral repertoire written between 1700 and the present, valuing a diversity of styles, perspectives, and skill development (as demonstrated in the video above). In addition to "standard" symphonic repertoire (most of which is secular), the orchestra also collaborates with vocalists on sacred vocal music, accompanies faculty and student soloists (students are selected via the Young Artist Competition), and offers occasional treats such as popular music during the Christmas season.
For members of the orchestra that demonstrate exceptional skill in their auditions, selected orchestra "performance scholarships" are also available. For first priority consideration of an orchestra scholarship, make sure you submit your application (found at this link) by April 1 of the year you are applying for (early!). If you're interested in an applying for a scholarship after the initial April 1 deadline, you are not too late and will still be considered for remaining funds. In addition to submitting your completed application form, you will need to submit an online video audition with "two contrasting movements, one of which should be from the concerto repertoire." Most applicants choose to submit their videos as links to "unlisted" videos uploaded to YouTube. Additional questions may be sent to Dr. Elysee.
In addition to performing at the Howard Performance Arts Center each month, the AUSO has traveled within the Great Lakes region as well as internationally. Since 2006 the orchestra has performed in Hungary, Italy, Austria, Germany, France, Philippines and Costa Rica.
Recent Orchestra Tours
European Tour 2018
1st International Adventist Youth Music Festival, Philippines, May/2009
2nd International Adventist Youth Music Festival, Costa Rica, Dec/2011
North Shore SDA Church, March/2012
Resources for Students
Link for list of common orchestra audition excerpts
- Phone: 269-471-3555
- Email: music@andrews.edu