Performance - Orchestral Instrument
Program Website
If you play an orchestral instrument and want to prepare for a professional career or graduate study in music, consider majoring in Orchestral Instrument Performance. This diverse and competitive degree program offers a solid foundation in instrumental technique, performance, repertoire, pedagogy, and musicianship.
Faculty
All performing artists with expertise in the field of instrument performance, our faculty members are active in recitals, symphony orchestras, and professional chamber ensembles. They include:
- Ann M. Adams, D.M. , Florida State University; oboe
- Jesus Jose Alfonzo; viola
- James Aubrey Bishop; saxophone
- David E. Bjella, M.M., Peabody Conservatory of Music; cello
- Ashley Heintzen; bassoon
- Grace Kang, Ph.D.; horn
- Marja Kerney; percussion
- Routa Kroumovitch-Gomez, L.I.S., Universidad de Chile; violin
- Susan Morris McQuinn; flute, Flute Orchestra
- Lynn A. Musco, D.M. , Florida State University; clarinet
- David Arthur Schmidt, Ph.D; low brass, chair trombone
- Tom Waid, Ph.D; tuba
- John D. Wieland; string bass
Special Features
Orchestral Instrument majors have the opportunity to participate in the Annual Stetson University Concerto Competition whose winners then perform with the University Symphony Orchestra.
The Symphonic Band has a history of performing at prestigious concert events, including the Kentucky Music Educators Association Conference (1995), the National In-Service Convention of the Music Educators National Conference (1996), the American Bandmasters Association Convention (1998), the National In-Service Convention of the Music Educators National Conference (2000), the College Band Directors Association/National Band Association, CBDNA, Conference (2002). The Florida Music Educators Association In-Service Clinic Conference (2003), and will possibly be performing at the 2006 CBDNA convention at Vanderbuilt University.
The Stetson University Jazz Ensemble performs widely, including the Port Orange Jazz Festival and LYNX Jazz Festival in Orlando, and in concert at Flagler Auditorium, the Dolly Hand Theater in Belle Glade, and Disney World.
Several chamber ensembles have participated in national competitions, including the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Fischoff, and Colemann Competitions. The Stetson University Barron String Quartet won second place in the regional MTNA competition in Athens, GA, Spring 2002
Course Information
Orchestral Performance majors participate in weekly private lessons, studio performance classes, and student recitals. In addition, you will have opportunities to perform with a variety of ensembles including the University Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Brass Ensembles, Chamber Orchestra, Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir, and a variety of chamber ensembles encompassing all genres.
Orchestral Instrument majors may also perform in the orchestras for fully staged opera and musical theatre productions. (Recent productions include works from both the standard repertoire as well as less frequently performed works, Britten's Curlew River (Spring 2002), Sweeney Todd (2003) and The Magic Flute (2008).
Check this link for further information on Course Requirements.
Career Opportunities
Our students are well prepared to enter graduate programs at the best schools of music and conservatories in the country. The curriculum routinely includes training in conducting and pedagogy, which help prepare for jobs jobs in church music and maintaining private teaching studios. Students use summer break to participate in internships, counseling and teaching positions, and as participants in summer music programs, including Interlocken, Blue Lake, Tanglewood, and Brevard.
Our graduates perform with the Orlando Philharmonic, Seaside Music Theater, Miami Ballet and Opera, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, New York City Ballet, Aspen Festival Orchestra, Brevard Symphony Orchestra, and the Arkansas, Asheville, and Washington symphonies.
Alumni Highlights
- Jason Robins, '02, 2nd place winner in the International Trombone Festival, Summer '03, is pursuing a Master's Degree in trombone performance at Yale University.
- Erin Tolke, '02, holds a teaching assistantship in theory while pursuing a master's degree in theory at Indiana University.
- Kyle Mishler, '02, is pursuing a Master of Music degree at the University of Tennessee, where he also serves as Assistant Principal (cello) of the orchestra.
- Shawn Copeland, '99, completed a Master's Degree in Arts Management from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Music Degree in clarinet performance and is pursuing a Doctorate degree in clarinet performance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he received a full assistantship to direct the Community School of the Arts.
- Ed Kingfield, '96, earned a Master of Music degree at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and teaches clarinet at Indian River Community College, Florida.
- Lauren Baker,'92, earned an MM degree from Yale University and a Doctor of Music degree from the University of Texas, and serves as Professor of Oboe at Murray State University, Murray, Ky.
- Wendy (Ryan) Schultz, '91 is the first woman trombone player to complete her Doctorate from the University of Illinois.
