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 Fall 2026 semester will take place from 5 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 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 the Fall semester, we are having all string players, much like their wind and percussion 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 our best way 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 tell Mr. Diischer which parts they prefer.
If the musical 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 hearing time.
Audition Sign-Ups and Music
Fall 2026 string auditions will take place on from 5 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 in the NDSU Band Room (Room 118 in Challey Hall).
In the shared Google folder linked below, open the file that is labeled “USO Strings Hearing Signup | Fall 2026” and please put your name, instrument, and email address. Please select the earliest slot that works for you to allow time for everyone else. 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.
The musical excerpts can be found in the shared Google Drive, labeled as USO Strings Hearings Signup | Fall 2026. They are excerpts from Danse Bacchanale. Please download your excerpt for your device, or print out your own copy. Please plan on bringing your own music (on paper or device) into the room to play for Mr. Diischer. He'll also ask you to play a few scales to listen to tone/vibrato (D Major/G Major).
Day of Auditions
Please make sure you are warmed up and ready to play at your time. Hearings will be held in the NDSU Band Room (Challey Hall 118) 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 a good idea to check on where we are in the schedule when we first arrive.
While waiting outside the hearing space, it’s fine if you chat quietly or finger through things, we ask that you refrain from playing your instrument or chatting loudly. Make sure you have your music as we will not have a copy for you. Feel free to dress casually/comfortably.
Can't make the audition date?
If you’re unable to make any of the times on August 25, you can still be in the USO. You will need to send a digital video to mark.diischer@ndsu.edu of yourself performing the required materials, with you and your instrument (fingerboard/bow) in the frame by 8 p.m. on August 25th so we can compile all the hearings and assign parts as soon as possible. Please make sure any video sent to Mr. Diischer is open to view or that access is given to him to see the video.
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.
Rehearsals
The course meets from 6:30 – 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During the Fall, some rehearsals will be the full ensemble (Winds, Strings, Percussion), some will be strings only, and some will be the very occasional sectional day. Mr. Diischer will communicate the schedule for the week, generally on Monday through email to make sure that all community and NDSU members are informed. Please make sure you provide an up to date email that you check regularly.
Fall Concerts
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 13 – University Symphony Orchestra and University Band Concert
2 p.m. Sunday, December 6 – University Symphony Orchestra and University Band Concert
Contact
Mark Diischer, Conductor, USO | mark.diischer@ndsu.edu