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
University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra (UISO) Auditions
String Auditions (Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass)
Audition Dates: August 24–25, 2026 (location and audition times will be announced in August)
These auditions play an important role in ensemble placement and will be used to identify students for consideration for principal positions, solo and chamber music opportunities, and string rotation assignments.
Advanced non-music majors interested in participating in UISO are also encouraged to audition. Non-major students who are not selected for UISO will automatically be considered for placement in the Campus Symphony Orchestra (CSO).
String Audition Sign-Up Form: Click Here
UISO String Audition Excerpts and PDFs: Click Here
First-Time UISO Auditionees: Students auditioning for UISO for the first time must prepare all required orchestral excerpts and one solo selection of their choice (maximum 1 minute). Returning students are not required to perform a solo.
Woodwind and Brass Auditions
Woodwind and brass students will audition through the School of Music band audition process. Placement in UISO will be determined by the audition committee in consultation with applied faculty. Audition information: https://bands.uiowa.edu/concert-bands/auditions
Percussion
Please contact Dr. Dan Moore, Professor of Percussion, regarding audition requirements and placement.
Harp
Please contact Erin Freund, Instructor of Harp, regarding audition requirements and placement.
Questions?
For questions regarding the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra, please contact Dr. Kenny Lee, Director of Orchestral Studies.
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 sign up here to schedule an audition.