NAU Orchestras

The NAU Orchestra program is dedicated to providing the finest musical and educational opportunities for talented individuals from the NAU student body interested in the study and performance of orchestral music. In addition to a commitment to preparing students for professional careers in the field of music in today’s complex society of ever-changing musical and cultural tastes, the NAU Orchestra program strives to educate and develop new audiences at NAU and in the surrounding Flagstaff community through the unique experience of live symphonic music.

Membership in the NAU Symphony and Chamber Orchestras is open to all NAU students by audition. Auditions take place in the first week of classes in the fall and spring semesters. Audition repertoire and information is available online.

Symphony Orchestra:

The Symphony Orchestra performs 4-6 concerts per year. Students will develop a thorough working knowledge relevant to the performance practice of standard orchestral repertoire ranging from music of the baroque through the twentieth century, as well as contemporary music of our time. In past years, performances have included major works by Beethoven, Brahms, Ravel, Shostakovich, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, and others.

Chamber Orchestra:

The Chamber Orchestra is dedicated to the performance of repertoire of an intimate character. The select members of this ensemble perform 1-2 concerts per semester, including the spring opera production. Specific emphasis is placed on stylistic performance practice, as well as active collaboration and shared leadership.