About
Performing largely classical music, the Orchestra@UWaterloo features strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion players. Members represent an academic cross-section of the university spanning all faculties (especially Math and Engineering!).
Acceptance is by audition and at the discretion of the director. The audition will assess musical gifts and technical skills, as a basis for membership.
Non-student musicians (faculty, staff, community members) are welcome and encouraged to inquire about auditions.
Every two years, the Orchestra holds a Concerto and Aria Competition open to all UWaterloo students.
Director
Rehearsals
Days: Wednesdays
Time: 7:00pm - 9:50pm
Location: Great Hall (CGUC Rm. 1111), Conrad Grebel University College
Key dates for involvement
First Rehearsal: Wednesday, September 16th 7:00pm - 9:50pm
Term End Concert Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, November 29th 2:00pm
Term End Concert: Sunday, November 29th 7:30pm, Knox Presbyterian Church
Key Winter Term dates coming soon!
Audition dates
If you want to join Orchestra@UWaterloo, you need to audition. Although every member gets reconsidered every term, you do not need to re-audition every term. Your audition remains valid so long as you play in the Orchestra at least one term a year. If you are not accepted into the Orchestra, your audition remains valid for one year. Anyone may re-audition at any time, and it is a good idea to re-audition if your playing has improved.
Your audition will be private (and unaccompanied), for our Orchestra director and possibly a specialist in your instrument category.
Winter Term audition info coming soon!
Location: Great Hall (CGUC Rm. 1111), Conrad Grebel University College
Audition repertoire
The purpose of the audition is to demonstrate your approximate technical level and your overall musicianship.
Please prepare TWO contrasting musical excerpts – a fast passage that demonstrates your facility, and a slow one that shows your sense of style.
- Music can be any two passages from the solo or orchestral repertoire (see optional excerpts below)
- Approximate duration: fast passage – 1 minute; slow passage – 2 minutes.
- You will also be asked to do a little sight-reading
Steps to join
-
Fill out the Participant Form (see following).
-
Register on Quest if you'd like to receive credit (see following for full sequence details).
-
Prepare & show up for your audition.
-
If accepted, come to the first rehearsal. If not accepted, try again next term!
Participant form
All new ensemble applicants and returning ensemble members must fill out this form to participate every term. Winter 2026 coming soon.
Register for credit
Ensemble credit = 0.25 units. Add to normal course load or ask your advisor for a permission code to override your course limit.
Credit sequence details
Credits are accrued in sequence. If it is your first time participating in an ensemble, register for Music 116 and continue incrementally up the sequence for each new term or additional ensemble.
Important: it is your responsibility to drop the course on Quest if you do not pass the audition or choose not to participate.
Course requirements
1. Engaged participation and attendance at weekly rehearsals (see Attendance Policy, below).
2. Individual preparation, as assigned, for rehearsals. Orchestra members are responsible for learning assigned materials on their own and must be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in small groups or individually from time to time.
3. Participation in all Orchestra@UWaterloo concerts and additional rehearsals, as needed.
4. Care and maintenance of loaned scores.
Participation fees for extracurricular members
Students participating as an extracurricular: $30
Non-students: $60
Once accepted into the Orchestra, please make your payments via our online portal below.
Note: students participating for credit do not need to pay a fee, but if you miss more than two rehearsals, you will not receive the credit.
Awards
The John & Erma Stutzman String Scholarship
This award is open to string students who are Music majors or minors or enrolled in Music Studio and/or instrumental ensembles.
Attendance policy
For details about your expected attendance and for mandatory steps to follow in case of an absence, please review the following guidelines.
Concerto & aria competition
Every two years, Orchestra@UWaterloo holds a Concerto and Aria Competition that is open to University of Waterloo students and recent graduates, and is judged by a panel of professional musicians. Winners perform as soloists with the orchestra in a public concert.
