Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras
Texas A&M has two orchestras — the Chamber Orchestra (80 strings, mostly Texas All-State players) and the Philharmonic Orchestra (100+ strings, includes many All-Area and All-Region level players).
The Texas A&M Orchestras are academic performance ensembles offered as for-credit courses through the Music Activities program. Students from across the university participate while pursuing a wide range of majors at Texas A&M.
Music at Texas A&M is thriving. The orchestras include well over 200 orchestral string players across two large, ability-based ensembles. Both orchestras perform high-quality repertoire and present two major concerts each semester.
Many students participate in orchestra for their entire time at Texas A&M. Students consistently share that orchestra enhances their academic experience by providing a dedicated space each week to engage their creative minds through music.
Rehearsals
The Philharmonic and Chamber orchestras are each a one-hour credit course.
Chamber Orchestra (MUSC 283, Section 500) M/W 4:10-5:25 p.m.
Philharmonic Orchestra (MUSC 283, Section 502) M/W/F 9:10-10 a.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
The orchestra program is open to all currently enrolled Texas A&M students, regardless of major, college or previous ensemble affiliation.
An audition is required for placement in one of the Texas A&M orchestras. Auditions are used for ensemble placement, not exclusion. Most auditions are submitted electronically. Auditions can take place any time after your acceptance to the university. Most students will schedule their auditions to be the day before their New Student Conference (NSC) in the summer. To schedule your audition, please fill out the Audition Request Form. Dr. VanZandt will typically respond within 24 hours of receiving the request. You can also contact the director directly at [email protected].
Unlike many high school programs, the orchestras at Texas A&M do not meet every day. Ensembles rehearse two to three days per week, depending on the class day, easily allowing students to balance music participation with a full academic course load. Grades are entirely based on attendance. There are no graded assignments or testing.
This is one of the most common questions prospective students ask. Orchestra at Texas A&M is specifically designed for students with the most demanding degree paths. Nearly two-thirds of our orchestra students are engineering majors, with most others pursuing degrees in the sciences and pre-med. Even students with rigorous academic schedules consistently find orchestra to be a meaningful, manageable and energizing part of their week.
Texas A&M Orchestras perform a wide range of standard and contemporary orchestral repertoire. You can visit the Past Repertoire page to see our repertoire from the past three years.
Meet the Director
