Welcome to our FAQ! Feel free to continue reading and learn more about the WMSO…
How big is our ensemble?
WMSO is usually ~100 members strong with strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion.
What is the time commitment…
WMSO rehearses every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00pm throughout the semester and performs five concerts per year. Our conductor, Professor Grandis, shares a schedule before each rehearsal specifying the order and length of rehearsed pieces.
…and can I earn academic credit for participating?
If accepted into the ensemble, you may choose to register for a 1-credit class (MUSC E06) in the Music Department that, if taken for 2 semesters, fulfills the 1-year arts requirement.
Where do we rehearse…
Rehearsals are held in Music 116 (“M116″) in the Music Arts Center, home to W&M’s Music Department.
…and where do we perform?
The Symphony performs in the Concert Hall, also in the Music Arts Center.
We perform in these 5 concerts annually.
(1) Family Weekend Concert: a combined-ensemble concert around mid-October.
(2) Halloween Concert: Standard repertoire, held late October.
(3) Winter Concert: Symphony’s pops concert, held early December.
(4) Concerto Concert: Features concerto competition winners, held mid-March.
(5) Spring Concert: Notable symphonic work(s), held early May.
What music do we play?
Music from past seasons can be found in our archive. Our repertoire tend to be from the Romantic period, 20th, and 21st centuries.
The Symphony has collaborated with guest artists including violinist Charles Castleman (Carmen Fantasy), violinist Pavel Ilyashov (Glazunov), cellist Neal Cary (Elgar), saxophonist Gary Louie (Tomasi), and others.
How do I audition?
Auditions are held in late August in the Rehearsal Room/Concert Hall of the Music Building, a few days before the fall semester begins. You can find the dates and specified requirements for auditions here; time slots are determined on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are looking to audition mid-semester or at the start of the spring semester, contact Professor Grandis at dfgrandis@wm.edu explaining your situation and he will determine if an audition may take place.
How competitive is entry into the ensemble?
Auditions are required for all musicians, including former members, to join the Symphony. Candidly, selection for winds is competitive; the number of openings for winds (and percussion) depends on repertoire chosen for that year. The number of openings for strings depends on available stage space. Bring your best self to the audition, because anything can happen! Our director is extremely accommodating and tries his best to fit as many of us into the ensemble as possible.
Additional musicians may be needed to fill a vacancy left by regular members studying abroad or to augment a section for a large orchestral work. Typically, alternate players are accepted as regular members the following season, so mid-year auditions are a great way to be heard and added to the list of potential candidates for your section.
How is seating assigned?
Seat assignments are intended to reflect the skill and dedication of the musician. Seat assignments are ultimately made at the discretion of our conductor, Professor Grandis. If needed, he may decide to rotate part assignments between winds, adjust the seating order of strings, or appoint co-principals.
Is there more to WMSO than just music-making?
Yes! While WMSO is headed by our conductor, Professor Grandis, much of the Symphony’s logistics and events are managed by the all-student Orchestra Board. Members of the ensemble are encouraged to attend social events and mixers, and bond over meals after rehearsals. The Symphony brings together students of all academic years, majors, and backgrounds, and the experience itself has played a part in many friendships.
In addition, WMSO tours domestically every year and tours internationally every four years. More information on both our international and domestic tour is available below.
We hope to see you next semester!
Was there something not answered in the FAQ you’d like to ask us?
Feel free to reach out to wrklauer@wm.edu, or get in touch with our conductor, Professor Grandis, at dfgrandis@wm.edu!