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
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. Students not selected for UISO will be considered for placement in the Campus Symphony Orchestra.
Audition sign-up sheets will be distributed in early August. Please check back.
Fall 2025 UISO Audition Repertoire:
Audition Repertoire for Music Majors:
Non-Majors:
Non-string players are assigned to UISO by their studio teachers.
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.