School of Music

MTSU ORCHESTRAS

MTSU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Dr. Carol Nies, Music Director

MUEN 3300-001

Rehearsal Times:

Tuesdays 5:00- 6:30 PM

Thursdays 5:00- 6:30 PM

Rehearsal Call-Time: 4:45 PM

Location: Instrumental Rehearsal Hall, WMB 173 and Hinton Music Hall

Check the Orchestra Bulletin Board (located outside of the IRH/WMB 173) for MTSU Symphony announcements and Rehearsal Order
Contact Dr. Nies for more information. Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu | 615-898-5318)

The MTSU Symphony is the premiere orchestral ensemble of the MTSU School of Music. Repertoire is selected from masterpieces of the standard orchestral literature and outstanding contemporary compositions. The Symphony is open to all MTSU students (regardless of major), faculty, staff and community members by audition.

WOODWINDS, BRASS, PERCUSSION AND HARP- FALL 2026 AUDITION INFORMATION:

Audition Information and excerpts for the Large Ensemble Auditions (Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band) can be found on the MTSU Band webpage. The first MTSU Symphony rehearsal will be Thursday, August 27.

Contact Dr. Nies for more information (carol.nies@mtsu.edu).

STRINGS- FALL 2026 AUDITION INFORMATION

String audition excerpts for the MTSU Symphony are posted below. Audition videos are due by 6 PM on Sunday, August 23. The first MTSU Symphony rehearsal will be Thursday, August 27.

Contact Dr. Nies if you have a question! (carol.nies@mtsu.edu)

VIOLIN I AUDITION EXCERPTS

Send your online audition to Dr. Dawson (Andrea.Dawson@mtsu.edu) and Dr. Nies (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu). Submit your online audition as an emailed youtube (unlisted) link by 6:00 PM Sunday, August 23.

Beethoven-Symphony No. 5

Click here: Beethoven- Symphony 5- Violin I (Check before you print the excerpts to see which pages are needed)

Movement I

1) Measure 277- m. 302

Movement II- Andante con moto 3/8

2) Pickups to rehearsal figure 5 (m. 65)- rehearsal figure 6

3) Pickups to m. 105- rehearsal figure 10

Movement III- Allegro 3/4 (in 1)

4) Rehearsal figure 6- m. 132

Movement IV (Allegro 4/4- in 2)

5) Rehearsal figure 15- rehearsal figure 16

VIOLIN II AUDITION EXCERPTS

Beethoven-Symphony No. 5

Click here: Beethoven-Symphony 5- Violin II (Check before you print the excerpts to see which pages are needed)

Movement I

1) Rehearsal figure 6- rehearsal figure 8

2) 2^nd ms of rehearsal figure 27- rehearsal figure F

Movement II

3) Rehearsal figure 2- rehearsal figure 3

Movement III

4) Pickup to m.153 (no repeat- take the 2^nd ending)- rehearsal figure 9

Movement IV

5) Measure 463- downbeat of rehearsal figure 6

VIOLA AUDITION EXCERPTS

Beethoven-Symphony No. 5

Beethoven- Symphony 5- Viola (Check before you print the excerpts to see which pages are needed)

Movement II

1) Beginning- ms. 10

2) Pickups to rehearsal figure 7 (m. 99)- m. 106

3) Pickups to rehearsal figure 12 (m. 158)- m. 163

Movement III (Allegro 3/4)

4) Pickup to m. 147- rehearsal figure 11 (m. 184)- no repeat (play top line)

Movement IV

5) m. 474- 491

CELLO AUDITION EXCERPTS (Check before you print the excerpts to see which pages are needed)

Send your online audition to Dr. Hayslett (Bryan Hayslett@mtsu.edu) and Dr. Nies (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu). Submit your online audition as an emailed youtube (unlisted) link by 6:00 PM Sunday, August 23.

Beethoven- Symphony No. 5

Click here for the audition music: Cello and Bass- Beethoven- Symphony 5 (Check before you print the excerpts to see which pages are needed)

Movement II- Andante con moto

1) beginning- ms. 10

2) pickups to rehearsal figure 7- rehearsal figure 10

3) Pickups to measure 99- 106

Movement III- Allegro

(Mvt. III is not marked on the part. It begins on page 6, at the Allegro (3/4). This is 5 lines up from the bottom of the page)

4) beginning- to rehearsal figure 4

5) pickup to rehearsal figure 8- rehearsal figure 13 (without the repeat)

DOUBLE BASS

Send your online audition to Dr. Nies (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu). Submit your online audition as an emailed youtube (unlisted) link by 6:00 PM Sunday, August 23.

Beethoven- Symphony No. 5

Click here for the audition music: Cello and Bass- Beethoven- Symphony 5 (Check before you print the excerpts to see which pages are needed)ages that are needed)

Movement II- Andante con moto

1) Rehearsal figure C- rehearsal figure 10

2) 5^th ms of rehearsal figure E to rehearsal figure 15

Movement III

(Mvt. III is not marked on the part. It begins on page 6, at the Allegro (3/4). This is 5 lines up from the bottom of the page)

3) Beginning- ms. 18

4) Measure 44- ms. 72 (rehearsal figure 4)

5) Trio: pickup to rehearsal figure 8 (m. 141)- rehearsal figure 13 (m.218) (without the repeat)

MTSU CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Advanced string players, regardless of major, are encouraged to audition for the Chamber Orchestra. Weekly rehearsals culminate in a performance at the end of the semester. Students learn diverse repertoire and ensemble skills in a friendly but focused environment. String Audition Excerpts and Audition information are posted above.

Rehearsal Time: Mondays 3:00- 4:25 PM

Location: Hinton Music Hall

Contact Dr. Bryan Hayslett for more information. (Bryan.Hayslett@mtsu.edu)

MTSU CONCERT ORCHESTRA

Membership in the MTSU Concert Orchestra (woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp, piano, and strings) is open to all MTSU students, faculty, staff and community members. An audition is not required. Repertoire is selected from all periods of orchestral literature. The MTSU Concert Orchestra has premiered many compositions and arrangements by MTSU students.

Contact Dr. Carol Nies, Music Director to reserve a position in the Concert Orchestra (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu). Music Education, Performance, Music Composition and Music Industry majors may audition to serve as assistant conductors.

Rehearsal Time: 3:15- 4:15 PM, Fridays

Call-time: 3:00 PM

First Rehearsal- Friday, August 28

Register for MUEN 3360-001

Location: Instrumental Rehearsal Hall, WMB 173 (School of Music)

Check the MTSU Orchestra Bulletin Board outside of the Instrumental Rehearsal Hall, WMB 173 for updated Rehearsal Information

Contact Dr. Nies for more information. (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu | 615-898-5318

2026 SUMMER ORCHESTRAL INSTITUTE AT MTSU! (NSOI)

Open by audition to College Students, Graduate Students, Adults and Students (8-12th grades)

Tuesday, May 26- Thursday, May 28

Apply Now! There are only a limited number of Summer Orchestral Institute positions!

The 2026 Summer Orchestral Institute (NSOI) features an intensive orchestral experience, professional orchestral repertoire, section rehearsals with outstanding professional musicians, the 2026 SOI Honors Recital Series, the 2026 SOI Concerto Competition and the final Gala Concert! Tuition is $60. Limited scholarship aid is available.

College Students, Graduate Students and Adults may apply for a limited number of Fellowship openings.

2026 Information and Online Application- Click here!

2026 Concerto Competition Information and Application Form- Click here! (May 2 Deadline for Concerto Competition Online Applications and Audition Video link)

The Concerto Competition is open to all 2026 Summer Orchestral Institute members (including Fellowship members) (Winners of the 2025 SOI Concerto Competition must wait until 2027 to re-enter.)

Contact Dr. Nies, Director of Orchestras, MTSU School of Music for more information. (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu | 615-898-5318)

Apply now! There are a limited number of Summer Orchestral Institute positions, and positions fill early! Fill out the Online Application and send a short audition video* (4-10 minutes of solos, etudes or orchestral excerpts) by an unlisted youtube link to Dr. Carol Nies (carol.nies@mtsu) to reserve your 2026 Summer Orchestral Institute position!

*If you have previously been selected as a member of the Summer Orchestral Institute at MTSU (NSOI), the All-State Orchestra/Band, the Curb Youth Symphony, the Tennessee Youth Symphony, or the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts Orchestra/Wind Ensemble, you do not need to send in an on-line audition to be accepted for the Summer Orchestral Institute at MTSU. Fill out the Online Application and your position in the 2026 Summer Orchestral Institute will be reserved if there is still an opening in your section when your application is received. Apply now! Send in your seating audition video (4-10 minutes of solos, etudes or orchestral excerpts) by an unlisted youtube link to Dr. Carol Nies (carol.nies@mtsu) by May 5.*

*Previous members of the Summer Orchestral Institute at MTSU (NSOI) are not required to send online seating placement auditions.

SUMMER ORCHESTRAL INSTITUTE AT MTSU HOTEL INFORMATION

(For students and their families who are from outside the Middle Tennessee area)

SLEEP INN- SUMMER ORCHESTRAL INSTITUTE AT MTSU SPECIAL RATE

193 Chaffin Place- exit 78B from Interstate 24

Call 615-396-3000 to reserve a room at the special Summer Orchestral Institute at MTSU rate.* Rooms at this special rate are limited, so reserve your room as soon as possible. There are also many excellent B and B’s available in the area. (All hotel costs and meal costs are the responsibility of each participant.)

*PLEASE NOTE- Check with Sleep Inn for their cancellation policy.

If the Sleep Inn (193 Chaffin Place) is full, ask if there is a special rate for MTSU activities at the hotel that you are making a reservation at. Many hotels in Murfreesboro do offer special rates for MTSU activities.

2026 MTSU HIGH SCHOOL HONORS ORCHESTRA

Friday, November 13- Saturday, November 14

Reserve a 2026 MTSU High School Honors Orchestra position by filling out the application now! Limited positions are available!

Click here for the 2026 MTSU High School Honors Orchestra Application Form to reserve your position!

Apply now! There are limited MTSU High School Honors Orchestra positions, and positions fill early!

There are no fees to participate in the MTSU Honors Orchestra, as this project is funded by MTSU as a public service for high school music students. (All meal costs and hotel costs are the responsibility of each participant.)

Contact Dr. Nies for more information. (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu | 615-898-5318)

Friday- November 13- Full Orchestra (Strings, Winds, Percussion, Harp)
9:00 AM- 9:20 AM Registration- School of Music Lobby

9:30 AM- 9:00 PM* Rehearsals and Honors Orchestra Activities

(*Marching Band students with a Friday night School Marching Band commitment will be excused from the Friday night Honors Orchestra rehearsal)

Saturday, November 14
10 AM- 3:30 PM Rehearsals and Activities

4:00 PM MTSU Honors Orchestra Concert

2026 MTSU HIGH SCHOOL HONORS ORCHESTRA AUDITION INFORMATION

1) Fill out the 2026 MTSU High School Honors Orchestra On-Line Application:

2026 MTSU High School Honors Orchestra Application

2) Send in your 2026 MTSU High School Honors Orchestra on-line audition video if required (see below).

3) Send in a letter of recommendation from your Orchestra/Band director or your private instrumental teacher to Dr. Nies (carol.nies@mtsu.edu). If you have previously been selected for the MTSU High School Honors Orchestra, the Summer Orchestral Institute at MTSU (SOI), All-State Orchestra/Band, the Curb Youth Symphony or the Tennessee Youth Symphony, you are not required to send in a letter of recommendation.

4) On-line Auditions:

WOODWINDS, BRASS, PERCUSSION AND HARPS*:

Send your online audition video by by October 15. Your audition video may include prepared solos, etudes, Mid-State audition material, All-East audition material or All-West audition material. Auditions should be 4-8 minutes long. Send in your audition video recording by unlisted youtube link to Dr. Nies at: carol.nies@mtsu.edu

Apply now! There are limited MTSU Honors Orchestra positions, and positions fill early! The Priority Deadline is October 15, but positions are usually filled earlier than this date.

*If you have previously been selected as a member of the MTSU High School Honors Orchestra, the Summer Orchestral Institute at MTSU (SOI), the All-State Orchestra/Band, the Curb Youth Symphony, the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts Orchestra/Wind Ensemble, or the Tennessee Youth Symphony, you do not need to send in an on-line audition to be accepted for the 2026 Honors Orchestra. You are pre-qualified for membership in the 2026 MTSU High School Honors Orchestra if there is still an opening in your section when your application is received. Apply now! You will need to send a 4-10 minute on-line seating placement audition video by October 25. (Previous members of the MTSU High School Honors Orchestra or the Summer Orchestral Institute at MTSU (SOI) are not required to send online seating placement auditions.)

STRINGS*:

Apply now! There are limited MTSU High School Honors Orchestra positions, and positions fill early! The Priority Deadline is October 15. You may apply after October 15 if there is a position open in your section, but positions are limited, and sections are usually filled by the Priority Deadline.

Your audition video may include prepared solos, etudes, Mid-State audition material, All-East audition material or All-West audition material. Auditions should be 4-8 minutes long. Send in your audition video recording by unlisted youtube link to Dr. Nies at: carol.nies@mtsu.edu

*If you have previously been selected as a member of the MTSU High School Honors Orchestra, the Summer Orchestral Institute at MTSU (SOI), the All-State Orchestra/Band, the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts Orchestra/Wind Ensemble, the Curb Youth Symphony or the Tennessee Youth Symphony, you do not need to send in an on-line audition to be accepted for the 2025 Honors Orchestra. You are pre-qualified for membership in the 2026 MTSU High School Honors Orchestra.

String seating placement auditions will take place during the first rehearsal. Audition material will be selected from the 2025 MTSU HSHO repertoire.

Contact Dr. Nies for more information. (Carol.Nies@mtsu.edu | 615-898-5318)

MTSU HONORS ORCHESTRA HOTEL INFORMATION

(For students and their families who are from outside the Middle Tennessee area)

SLEEP INN- SPECIAL MTSU HIGH SCHOOL HONORS ORCHESTRA RATE

193 Chaffin Place- exit 78B from Interstate 24

Call 615-396-3000 to reserve a room at the special MTSU High School Honors Orchestra rate*. Rooms at this special rate are limited, so reserve your room as soon as possible. The 2025 MTSU HSHO discount rate is listed under “MTSU Honors Orchestra” rate. There are also many excellent B and B’s available in the area. (All hotel costs and meal costs are the responsibility of each participant.)

*PLEASE NOTE- Check with Sleep Inn for their cancellation policy.

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