Micro Inquiry: Classical Music

Course Taken: Tues/Thurs 4pm-7pm for strings (September, 2013 - April, 2014)
Format: This is the UBC Symphony Orchestra which consists of mainly music majors (undergrads & grad students). There is typically one concert per month with the exception being February. In February, the orchestra plays in the UBC Opera Production which typically runs 3-4 nights. You are expected to have 100% attendance especially for concerts.
Audition: Admission is by audition at the end of August/ early September. Sign-up sheets are usually up by the last week of August. Look on the UBC Music Website for more details regarding auditions requirements.
Class Average: 92% (not exactly sure how grades are given; however, there are seating auditions every couple of concerts)

Advice: For a non-music major, I found some of the pieces extremely challenging (eg. Don Juan by Strauss). However, I enjoyed the change of pace from my science courses even though it was a bit time consuming. This is a great way to meet new people and keep up with your practicing. The annoying thing with the "late" rehearsals was that I had to reschedule 90% of my midterms. Dr. Girard was extremely helpful with explaining my situation to my science professors.
Highlight of the course: We performed at the International Women Forum with Elaine Paige (First Lady of British Musical Theatre). UBCSO also went on a tour across BC/Alberta in April.

UBC Symphony Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UBCSO

100th Anniversary Rite of Spring Footage from our first concert
(after about 6 rehearsals).

Micro Inquiry