The University of Iowa School of Music offers two orchestral ensembles accommodating every level of musicianship. Each orchestra offers a unique opportunity to study a wide range of orchestral repertoire, from core orchestral masterworks to intimate chamber works.

UI Symphony Orchestra

UI Symphony Orchestra

Dr. Kenny Lee

Conductor & Director of Orchestral Studies

University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra (UISO)

The University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra is widely regarded as one of the finest university orchestras in the country. In addition to performing major symphonic repertoire, the UISO is known for its leadership in premiering and promoting new orchestral works.

The orchestra provides students with intensive, professional-level training and presents several concerts each year. Recent performances have included works by Mahler, Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, and Beethoven, alongside music by living composers such as Unsuk Chin, Gabriella Smith, Jessie Montgomery, and Anna Clyne.

UISO typically rehearses three times per week and performs two to four concerts each semester. While the ensemble is primarily intended for music majors, highly skilled non-majors are welcome to audition.

UISO audition process

UISO Audition Process

Auditions for the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra (UISO) will be held August 25–26, 2025. Auditions are required for all music majors. Advanced non-music majors are also encouraged to audition. Non-majors not selected for UISO will be considered for placement in the Campus Symphony Orchestra.

Fall 2025 UISO Audition Repertoire:

Violin

Viola

Cello

Bass

If you are auditioning for UISO for the first time, you will also need to prepare a solo piece of your choice (no more than 1 minute) along with the required excerpts.

Audition Sign Up

Non-string players are assigned to UISO by their studio teachers.

Students interested in auditioning for CSO (Campus Symphony Orchestra for non-majors) should email music-orchestra@uiowa.edu to schedule an audition.

Campus Symphony Orchestra

Designed specifically for non-music majors who wish to continue playing their instrument while studying at the University, audition will be required for winds and percussion as the number of players is limited (a scale and a short excerpt of your choice). We will welcome up to three flutes, three oboes, three clarinets, three bassoons, five horns, two trumpets, three trombones, two tenor and one bass), one tuba, one timpani, and two percussion players. No audition is required for strings to be admitted into the ensemble, however, there will be a short audition for seating arrangement only (a scale and short excerpt of your choice). This unique experience includes students from diverse academic pursuits throughout the university.

The CSO performs one concert per semester and various community service-oriented performances on a request basis. CSO is conducted by graduate conducting majors. This group meets on Tuesdays, from 6-7:20 p.m. in VOX 2400.

Join us and bring a friend!

CSO audition process

Students interested in auditioning for CSO (Campus Symphony Orchestra for non-majors) should email music-orchestra@uiowa.edu to schedule an audition.

2025-2026 Season Schedule will be announced soon.

Fall 2025

Spring 2026