Performing largely classical music, the orchestra@uwaterloo includes strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion players. It is re-formed each term based on auditions. Undergraduate students form the majority of the orchestra's 60–70 musicians, though faculty, staff, graduate students, and alumni also participate. The orchestra's Music Director is Daniel Warren. Members represent an academic cross-section of the university, with the Math and Engineering Faculties particularly well-represented. Every two years the orchestra holds a Concerto and Aria Competition open to all UWaterloo students.
1. Participant Form
To participate in the Orchestra you need to fill out the Participant Form (open for Winter 2026). There is no LEARN for Ensembles, so this is a crucial step. For further questions please email Angelica Allen, Ensemble Coordinator.
2. Audition
If you have not participated in the Orchestra previously, you will need to audition. You will also need to re-audition if you have not played recently, i.e. within the last year. Auditions will take place on January 7 from 6:30 to 9pm, and again on Thursday, January 8 from 3:00pm to 5pm. The sign-up link will be sent out when you fill out the participant form.
See additional audition information for details about audition repertoire, etc.The director will let you know if you are admitted or not.
NOTE: We will start with the first full rehearsal on January 14 at 7pm. Make sure you fill out the participant form well in advance, even if you have been in the orchestra for multiple terms.
View Audition excerpts → Note that these are suggestions, not requirements.
3. Credit
Register on Quest if you are taking the Ensemble for credit. Also note it is your responsibility to drop the course on Quest if you do not pass the audition or choose not to participate. An Ensemble credit is 0.25 units AND you can add this on a normal course load or ask your advisor for permission to override your course limit. There is a $30 fee for students who are not taking the Ensemble for credit, and non-students will be charged a $60 fee.
4. Course requirements
- In person rehearsal Wednesday from 7:00-9:30 most weeks.
- Rehearsals start January 14 at 7pm, in the Great Hall at Conrad Grebel University College. Please come a few minutes early to set up the stands.
- Fall Term: Participation in an end of term concert on Sunday, November 23 at 7:30pm at Knox Presbyterian Church.
Winter Term: Participation in an end of term concert on Sunday, March 22 at 7:30pm at Knox Presbyterian Church. -
Read the Information Sheet
- Pay the membership fee (for those NOT Taking orchestra for credit) An online link will be sent once the term has started.
- $30 for students
$60 for everyone else
- $30 for students
- We are willing to make special arrangements for those who cannot afford the fee.
PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS TAKING ORCHESTRA FOR CREDIT DO NOT PAY A FEE. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN 2 ABSENCES YOU WILL NOT GET THE CREDIT.
The orchestra rehearses on Wednesday nights at Conrad Grebel University College, from 7 to 9:30 pm during the Fall, Winter and Spring terms.
New Award: The John and Erma Stutzman String Scholarship. This award is open to string students in Music studio, both majors and non-majors.
More Orchestra information - including previous recordings and the Concerto & Aria Competition
Orchestra Evaluation Form - Fall 2025 Term