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LOU Symphony Orchestra
University of Mississippi

Lafayette Oxford University Symphony Orchestra

The Lafayette-Oxford-University Symphony Orchestra is sponsored by the Department of Music and serves as one of the major university ensembles.

Membership

  1. Student – Student membership in the University Orchestra is open to any graduate or undergraduate student at the University of Mississippi. Initial enrollment is by audition.
  2. Community – Community membership in the University Orchestra is open to qualified amateurs who are able to attend rehearsals and to maintain their preparation of the music. Initial community membership is by audition. Membership is open to community string players, but community membership for winds and percussion is available only when the roster cannot be filled with students.
  3. Faculty/Professional – Music faculty members and other highly qualified music professionals will be invited by the Music Director to participate in dress rehearsals and to assist in the preparation and performance of concerts.

Rehearsals

Regular full ensemble rehearsals are held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:30 to 3:45, and string sectionals are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00 to 12:50 p.m. Additional sectional rehearsals may be scheduled as may arise. Two dress rehearsals of 2.5 hours each are usually scheduled on Sunday immediately before each concert.

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Performances

The University Symphony Orchestra typically gives four performances during the academic year. Faculty members in the Department of Music regularly appear as soloists, and the winners of The UM Concerto Competition appear during the Winter Concert each March. The orchestra supports the performance of the UM Opera Theater during the alternate spring semesters. Performances of the orchestra are given either the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts or in Nutt Auditorium.

Auditions and Scholarships

Auditions for membership and for scholarships are arranged by appointment with the music director and members of the Department of Music faculty. University Orchestra scholarships are available by audition to qualified string instrumentalists, regardless of major field of study. Audition material should include selections that demonstrate the performer’s ability to best advantage, preferably in both lyrical and technical passages. Total duration should be 10 to 15 minutes. Call or write the Department of Music to arrange an audition date and time, more information about recommended audition repertoire, as well as campus tours and other informative activities. Although personal visits are encouraged, auditions may be made through recordings. Please fill out our Audition Form here.

Additional Information

For more information, contact Selim Giray at 662-915-1258, or e-mail: sgiray@olemiss.edu.