Winter 2026 Orchestra Information Sheet

• Overview:  The orchestra@uwaterloo is open to all students, staff, and faculty. While auditions are required, the ensemble seeks to involve and engage those who have, first and foremost, a love for classical music and orchestral playing. Make sure to fill out the Participant form, whether you are a returning or new student.
• Auditions:  Auditions for new players will take place in early May.  Please sign up on the website.  For suitable audition excerpts see the NYO's list for suggestions.   We suggest two contrasting pieces. There may be some sight reading as well..
• Rehearsals:  The University of Waterloo Orchestra rehearses Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:30 PM in the Great Hall at Conrad Grebel University College.
• Concerts: The Spring term 2026 concert will be on Sunday July 26 at Knox Presbyterian Church, Waterloo at 7:30pm. There will be an afternoon dress rehearsal that day at 2pm.  Admission is $5 students, $10 general.
  The Fall term 2026 concert will be on Sunday, November 29, again at Knox Presbyterian Church Waterloo at 7:30pm.  Admission is $5 students, $10 general.
• Repertoire for Spring term:

                  Mozart, Symphony no. 31 “Paris”
                  Beethoven, Symphony no. 8 in F major
                  Mozart, overture to Cosi fan Tutte
                  Nielson, intermezzo for string orchestra

• Instrumentation

                 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons
                 2 French horns, 2 trumpets, timpani and strings

• Placement: The audition process ensures a fair placement for parts and seating allocation.
• Sheet Music:  Music will be made available to all players.  Some pieces will need to be signed out through the UW Library, and some pieces will be brought to rehearsal for pick-up. The sheet music is expensive and all due care and respect should be taken. Markings should be made only in pencil. Desiree Mau (Violin) is the librarian.
• Attendance  policy: The nature of an ensemble such as this requires attendance.  It is not like a class where if you decide not to come, it affects only yourself. This applies to all members, credit or non-credit. If you absolutely need to miss a rehearsal (severe illness, exam, or family emergency), the director must be notified in advance. Send an email to orchestra@uwaterloo.ca.  If you have more than two absences that are not excused, you will not be eligible for a credit. Finally, individual music preparation is crucial.  There is an attendance sheet to sign every week.
• Practice:  If you would like to put in extra practice time, there are three practice rooms down the hall from the Great Hall.  They are for the use of Music Students and Ensemble students such as yourselves.  You can't book them, but can use them if they are available.
• Instrument Lockers: Also, we do have a limited number of instrument lockers available.
• Credit or Payment: if you are an undergraduate UW student, you may take this ensemble for credit and we will waive the fee. You do need to sign up on Quest. It is easier to drop than add past a certain date.  Others will need to pay the fee. Angelica Allen will send you a link to pay the fee, once you have been admitted to the orchestra.  Let her know if you need an over-ride to get a credit added.