University Symphony Orchestra (USO)
Full Symphony Orchestra
MUSC 304
T 6:30-8:00 (all members); Th 6:30-8:00 (winds and percussion)
Audition required. Auditions for the Spring 2026 semester will take place 4:30-8 p.m. on Sunday, January 11 in the NDSU Band Room (Room 118 in Challey Hall). See details below.
The University Symphony Orchestra will rehearse and perform standard classical, traditional, contemporary orchestral and chamber music repertoire. This ensemble will provide members the opportunity to rehearse and perform orchestral literature at a high and challenging level.
USO Auditions
Who Needs to Audition
For this spring semester, we are having all string players, much like their wind counterparts, play a short segment of music for our conductor, Mark Diischer. This is not an audition to stay/get into the ensemble, but rather to figure out chair placements, part assignments, and music selection. We want to invite all those interested to play! It’s also a chance for violin players to indicate which parts they prefer.
If the auditions excerpts look playable to you, you’ll likely be experienced enough to perform the music for the ensemble this semester. If you’re at all discouraged, but still want to play, please sign up, and we can talk during the audition time.
Audition Sign-Ups and Music
The Spring String auditions will take place before the semester starts on Sunday, January 11, from 4:30-8 p.m. (before classes start on Monday). If you’re unable to make those times, please email Mark Diischer at mark.diischer@gmail.com and we’ll find another time.
To sign up, please click the button below and put your name, instrument, and email address that you check in the earliest slot that works for you. Please do not remove anyone else’s sign up, unless you have worked out a change with them. Violinists should also list if they prefer 1st or 2nd parts, or both. You can also find the audition music below. Please download your excerpt for your device, or print out your own. Plan on bringing your own copy (on paper or device) into the room for your audition.
Day of Auditions
On the day of the audition, please make sure you are warmed up and ready to play at your scheduled time. Auditions will be held in the NDSU Band Room, where rehearsals will also be normally held. The signup times are a reference, as sometimes they can run early or behind, so it’s always wise to check where we are in the schedule when we first arrive. While waiting outside the audition space, it’s fine if you chat quietly or finger through things, just don’t play your instrument or chat loudly. Make sure you have your music as we will not have a copy for you. Feel free to dress casually, as your dress will not affect placement in the group.
Audition/Part Assignment Results
Results will be sent to all email addresses that you list on the sign up sheet after all auditions are heard. Remember that some auditions will happen AFTER Sunday, so results will likely come during that week.
Spring Concerts and Rehearsals
7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 26 - Winter Concert
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 - Spring Concert (joint concert with the University Band)
During the spring, some rehearsals will be the full ensemble (Winds, Strings, Percussion), some will be strings only, and some will be the very occasional sectional day. The class will meet every Tuesday from 6:30-8 p.m., with an occasional shift to Thursday based on some availability. The first rehearsal will be on Tuesday, January 11. Mark Diischer will send out an email when music is ready.
Contact
Mark Diischer, Conductor, USO | mark.diischer@gmail.com (Temporary Email Address)