The Marquette University Symphony Orchestra provides members with an opportunity to develop and share musical talents through participation in a large-group setting. Membership is open to any full-time undergraduate student who plays violin, viola, cello or string bass. Symphony Orchestra is registered as MUSIC 1300 in the university’s undergraduate course bulletin.

Students may choose to enroll in Symphony Orchestra for credit, and in this case, credit earned in Symphony Orchestra (MUSIC 1300) counts towards the music minor offered through the College of Communication. Associate membership is available to any part-time undergraduate student, graduate/professional student, faculty member or Marquette University alumni at the discretion of the director, Dr. Erik Janners.

Auditions are conducted for seating purposes only. All levels of musical ability are welcomed and encouraged. Literature is selected from all periods of music history. Some university-owned orchestral instruments are available for member use.

Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:50 p.m. Orchestra is a performance-based course. Consequently, attendance is the basis for grades in the course. Dress rehearsals and performances are mandatory.

The Marquette University Symphony Orchestra performs concerts in October, February and April, and participates in other events throughout the year.