Orchestral Ensembles
Orchestras have long been a vital part of the Peck School of the Arts and the broader musical landscape of Milwaukee. Our ensembles offer experiences for both graduate and undergraduate music majors as well as for community members interested in continuing to play. See the individual ensemble descriptions below for more information.
At A Glance
| Ensemble | Members | Audition |
|---|---|---|
| Symphony Orchestra | Open to all UWM students | YES |
| University Community Orchestra | Open to all UWM students and community members | NO |
Symphony Orchestra
UWM’s Symphony Orchestra is comprised of graduate and undergraduate music majors, as well as other students. The ensemble presents seven to eight concerts each year and regularly collaborates with UWM Choirs and Opera Theatre.
The orchestra has performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the Chicago Symphony Center, and the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. It was selected as one of two orchestras to perform at the College Orchestra Directors Association National Conference in Los Angeles and has appeared at the Wisconsin Music Educators Association State Conference. It also features student soloists selected through the annual UWM Symphony Concerto Competition.
The ensemble rehearses six hours per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00–3:45 PM). Members gain experience performing standard orchestral repertoire and receive training that prepares them for professional careers in music performance and education.
The Symphony Orchestra also performs annually at Milwaukee’s Korea Day Festival and has collaborated with renowned soloists including violinists Rachel Barton Pine, Bomsori Kim, Chee-Yun, In Mo Yang (First Prize, Paganini Competition & Sibelius competition), Clara-Jumi Kang (Gold Medalist, Indianapolis Competition), as well as pianist Yeol-Eum Son (Silver Medalist, Van Cliburn and Tchaikovsky Competitions), esteemed UWM performance faculty members, and student soloists from the annual concerto competition.
Auditions & Membership
Symphony Orchestra is open to all UWM students following an audition at the start of fall semester. Audition requirements include a standard solo of your choice (approx. 3 minutes). For music majors and minors, additional excerpts and sight-reading may be required.
University Community Orchestra
The University Community Orchestra is a full symphonic ensemble that welcomes players of all standard orchestral instruments—including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Open to UWM students, faculty, staff, and community members ages 15 and up, the ensemble offers a supportive environment for intermediate-level musicians to rehearse and perform together. Programs feature accessible and enjoyable repertoire, including classical masterworks, light classics, and pops selections.
For more information visit the University Community Orchestra page.
Auditions & Membership
Open to UWM students and community members of all skill levels ages 15+. No audition is needed but musicians should be able to read music and enjoy playing classical symphonic and pops repertoire. Please register prior to the start of the session as no walk-ins are allowed. Enrollment is on a first come first served basis with an opportunity to be placed on a waiting list.
Students seeking college credit should register via PAWS by enrolling in one of the following: MUS 81 (non music majors), MUS 181 (music majors), MUS 781 (grad students). First-year and transfer students should register with their advisor during New Student Orientation. Music majors cannot take this in place of their assigned ensemble.
Non-credit students and community members should register through the School of Continuing Education.
Music Programs
Music studios and ensembles are connected to a variety of academic programs, including majors, minors, certificates and graduate programs. This is a full list of programs offered by the Department of Music.
Faculty & Directors
Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Music faculty and staff please click the button below.
- Associate Professor, Instrumental Conducting
- Director, Orchestral Activities, Symphony Orchestra, University Community Orchestra
- kimjy@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6063
- Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts 354
Undergraduate Entrance Auditions
Music BA/BFA enrollment for Spring & Fall 2026.
• Friday, December 5, 2025
• Friday, February 13, 2026 (voice only)
• Monday, February 16, 2026
• Friday, March 6, 2026
• Friday, April 3, 2026
• Or by video submission
Graduate Applications
Fall: March 1 | Spring: December 1
Applications submitted after these dates will be reviewed on a rolling basis and may not be processed in time for the intended semester.
Undergraduate Programs
Scotlyn Haverkorn, music-admission@uwm.edu
Graduate Programs
Tim Noonan, music-grad-admission@uwm.edu
General Info & Questions
Contact Form | 414-229-4763
