Orchestra at Texas A&M
Continue your Musical Journey
About the Orchestras...
Music at Texas A&M is thriving! There are over 1300 student musicians performing in 4 concert bands, 2 orchestras, 3 choirs, 2 jazz ensembles, Aggie Mariachi, Orchestra Club, and of course the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Marching Band. We have two orchestras here at Texas A&M—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).
Meet the Director
Director of Orchestras, Dr. James Van Zandt
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Music Facilities like at Texas A&M?
The Music Activities Building, completed in 2019, is a state-of-the-art facility with 4 rehearsal halls, multiple small ensemble rooms, percussion studio, 36 practice rooms, several hundred instrument lockers, and a student lounge.
How Many Orchestra Performances Each Semester?
The Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra each perform two concerts per semester. Musicians from the Texas A&M University Bands combine with the Chamber Orchestra for a full orchestra once per semester.
Does Texas A&M have a Music Major?
There is currently no music major at TAMU, yet there are around 200 musically driven string players including some absolutely world-class musicians enrolled in orchestra classes. Most of the student musicians are engineering majors, while others are Biomedical Science, Business, and other rigorous fields of study.
What Is the Time Commitment?
We understand your area of academic study is a priority and that you may be worried about the time commitment involved with orchestra. Orchestra meets only 2 or 3 times per week depending on the class (2.5 hours total). There are no sectionals or required rehearsals outside of the scheduled class time.
There are undergraduate and graduate students from every degree plan in the university participating in orchestra. The time you invest making music in the TAMU Orchestras enhances your academic experience. Students genuinely look forward to the few hours each week when they attend to their musical and creative talents during orchestra class.
Do I Get Course Credit for Orchestra?
Yes! Orchestra is a one-hour credit. Grades are based solely on attendance, which makes participation in orchestra a great way to boost GPA.
Do I Need to be in the Corps of Cadets to Participate in the Orchestra?
No. While there are many Cadets in the orchestras, concert bands, and choirs, most students in the music ensembles are not. The only exception being the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band.
Is Orchestra Competitive?
There are many highly talented players in each orchestra class, but competition is not a part of the musical experience here at Texas A&M. That said, we do strive to produce a high-quality musical experience so there is an expectation for all musicians to prepare their individual parts. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from principals or from the director outside of class if needed.
Who Can Join Orchestra?
Orchestra is open to all Texas A&M undergraduate and graduate students by audition.
How Do I Audition?
Orchestra placement and seating are based on ability level. I will let you know for which course to register after the audition.
Auditions are typically held in the summer in conjunction with the New Student Conferences (NSC). It is usually best to schedule your audition the day before your NSC begins. To schedule an audition, fill out the following Audition Request Form.
For the Audition… You will prepare two musical selections of your own choosing—one technical, one lyrical. Each selection should be about 2 minutes long. Most students will prepare a solo repertory piece or a region orchestra auditions etude they performed in high school. There will also be a short sight-reading piece.
Note: To be considered for Chamber Orchestra, you will need to schedule your audition prior to August 1).
Who do I Contact if I have Questions?
Email the Director of Orchestras, Dr. James Van Zandt, if you have any questions about performing in the orchestras at Texas A&M.
What Type of Repertoire Does the Orchestra Perform?
The orchestras perform a variety of traditional and contemporary classical music. The orchestral repertoire for the 2023-24 year includes the following:
Chamber Orchestra
Sinfonia No. 7 in D minor – Felix Mendelssohn
Water Night – Eric Whitacre
Souvenir du Florence – PI Tchaikovsky
Entr’acte – Caroline Shaw
Symphony No. 2 ‘Romantic’ – Howard Hanson
Serenade for Strings, Op. 6 – Josef Suk
Passacaglia from Suite in G minor – GF Handel
Romance – Gerald Finzi
Symphonic Dances – Sergei Rachmaninoff
Philharmonic Orchestra
Apotheosis (from the video game Journey) – Austin Wintory
Concerto alla Rustica in G Major, RV 151 – Antonio Vivaldi
The Old Boatman – Florence Price
Apocalyptic (from Symphony No. 8, mvt IV) – Anton Bruckner
‘Danza Final’ from Estancia – Alberto Ginastera
Grover’s Corners – Aaron Copland
Barber of Seville – Gioachino Rossini
Ghosts of Brandenburg – Richard Meyer
The Low Arc of The Sun – Steven Bryant
Overture to the Magic Flute – WA Mozart
