The Emory University Symphony Orchestra presents dynamic and varied performances of repertoire embracing music from the Baroque to the twenty first-century, often combining forces with the Emory choirs to feature masterworks of the rich symphonic-choral tradition. True to the spirit of the liberal arts environment, the 100-member orchestra draws its membership from not only the Department of Music but from all disciplines across the campus. Although largely populated by music majors, the orchestra warmly welcomes the participation of 20-30 non-majors and graduate students with appropriate backgrounds.

The orchestra presents five concerts each year on the Emory campus. In addition to collaborations with faculty and other distinguished guest artists, students have the opportunity to perform as soloists with the orchestra as winners of the annual concerto and aria competition. EUSO’s 2010 performance of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 was featured on National Public Radio affiliate WABE; the orchestra gave two performances in New York in 2009 including an appearance as part of the Campaign Emory events. The acclaimed performance of Richard Prior’s Pulitzer-nominated Stabat Mater with the Emory University Chorus was the subject of a 2008 Public Television special and is now part of an independent film project currently in development. Membership of EUSO is by competitive audition (please see the Auditions page).

FACILITIES
The home of the orchestra is the world-class Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. Completed in 2003, the Schwartz Center houses the 800-seat Emerson Concert Hall, Tharp Rehearsal Hall, the Schwartz Center Box Office and Administrative Suite, multiple chamber music and practice rooms, teaching studios, classrooms and student lounges. The 2005-2006 Season celebrated the inauguration of the new $1.5M concert organ built by Daniel Jaeckel, the latest addition to the hall. Additional practice rooms, classrooms, offices and a 250-seat Performing Arts Studio can be found at the Music Department’s Burlington Road building. The Schwartz Center incorporates a small black box theater and a dance studio.

EXPECTATIONS
Members prepare their parts through regular individual practice and demonstrate weekly improvement both technically and musically; consultation and coaching should be sought as needed.  All members are punctual (early), respectful to all people and property, and positive in demeanor.

REHEARSALS
Tuesdays: 5:30-7:30p.m. | Thursdays: 7:00-9:00p.m.
When scheduled, individual sectionals are held in the large chamber studios on the upper floor of the Schwartz Center. Members are to be seated and warmed up 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of rehearsal.

Sectionals are held in the large chamber studios on the upper floor of the Schwartz Center. All full rehearsals are held in Tharp Rehearsal Hall or Emerson Concert Hall as noted on the schedule posted in the symphony’s LearnLink conference.

PRINCIPAL PLAYERS & NAMED CHAIRS
Students who win positions as principal players coordinate the various aspects of section operation and liaise with the conductor. EUSO enjoys the distinction of two named chairs by virtue of the extraordinary generosity of two patrons and friends of the orchestra. The student winning the position of Concertmaster holds the Joel M. Felner M.D. Concertmaster Chair and plays a $250,000 1687 Grancino violin for the season. Similarly, the student winning the position of Principal Second Violin holds the Edward Goodwin Scruggs Chair and plays a $150,000 1870 Scarampella.

ENROLLMENT
All undergraduates are required to be enrolled in MUS300, a performing arts credit for both majors and non-majors. Graduate students may participate on a credit or non-credit basis with the same expectations as for the undergraduates.

ATTENDANCE
As with any performing ensemble, each member is expected to be at every rehearsal and performance. Unexcused absences will result in the lowering of the grade and potential dismissal from the ensemble. Laboratories, examinations, and review sessions conflicting with rehearsal times must be rescheduled. Instructors will provide alternate times for these events.