There are a variety of high-quality performing opportunities available to OSU students. Whether you elect to pursue a music major, minor or participate as a non-major, there is an ensemble that will be right for you. Ensemble placement is determined by audition. You can find the audition materials for OSU ensembles on the following websites: http://orchestra.okstate.edu and http://bands.okstate.edu.
Auditions for ensembles during the fall semester will be held on the first day of school in August, while the auditions for spring semester will be held at the end of the fall semester. Please feel free to contact Professor Melissa Bosma at melissa.bosma@okstate.edu if you have questions about participating in the OSU ensembles.
Symphony Orchestra
Dr. Thomas Dickey, Conductor
The OSU Symphony Orchestra maintains a dynamic and varied performance schedule that includes repertoire spanning the late Baroque era through the music of today. The Orchestra was recently selected as a finalist for The American Prize - College/University Category: a new national competition designed to recognize and reward the very best in the performing arts in the United States - in schools and churches, and at community and professional levels. In January 2013, the OSU Symphony Orchestra performed as an invited guest orchestra at the College Orchestra Directors Association National Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. Local performances include the Oklahoma Music Education Association Conference and high schools throughout the state.
Wind Ensemble
Dr. Joseph P. Missal, Conductor
The University Wind Ensemble is the premier performing organization in the Oklahoma State University Band Program. Using a player-pool concept, the 50-member ensemble joins in various combinations to present the best in exciting and diverse wind music. Repertoire may range from a classical octet to a one-on-a-part performance of a major band work. Recent performances for conventions of the All-Japan Band Directors Conference, the British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles, the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, the College Band Directors National Association, the National Band Association, the Sonneck Society, the Percussive Arts Society, Oklahoma Music Educators Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma have earned the Wind Ensemble international acclaim.
Symphonic Band
Dr. Douglas Henderson, Conductor
The Symphonic Band, an organization of approximately 70 musicians selected by audition, is made up of music majors as well as talented students from other disciplines. Exploring traditional large band repertoire, transcriptions, and contemporary works, the group maintains an active performance schedule. The Symphonic Band enjoys a fine reputation as a group committed to the highest musical standards.
Concert Band
Dr. Marc Sosnowchik, Conductor
The University Concert Band is a large ensemble comprised of talented music majors and non-music majors studying a wide array of disciplines on the OSU campus. Rehearsing in the spring semester, the Concert Band maintains its dedicated commitment to pursuing outstanding traditional and contemporary literature. The Concert Band provides its members with the avenue to share in the process of quality music-making throughout their college careers.
Cowboy Marching Band (CMB)
Dr. Douglas Henderson, Director
The Cowboy Marching Band, nearly 300 members strong, is the premiere musical ambassador of the OSU Music Department. The full CMB performs for all OSU home football games, regularly playing in front of 40,000 people.
OSU Spirit Band
Dr. Marc Sosnowchik and Dr. Douglas Henderson, Directors
The Spirit Band is a pep-band comprised of Oklahoma State University students that provides support for athletic teams, lively entertainment at athletic events, and represents Oklahoma State University, University Bands, and the Athletics Department with class, enthusiasm, and professionalism. The Oklahoma State University Spirit Band performs for OSU Men's and Women's basketball. OSU has accumulated 48 NCAA National Championships, the fourth-most in NCAA history. Only Stanford, USC, and UCLA own more titles. Participation in Spirit Band gives you a front row seat for some of these historic events.
