Purdue University Bands

Purdue Symphony Orchestra

Boasting a full compliment of strings, winds and percussion, the Purdue Symphony Orchestra tackles everything from movie themes and lighter fare, in its newly established pops concerts, to the most serious works of the classical repertoire. The Purdue Symphony Orchestra is under the direction of Assistant Professor Andy King. Numbering around 90 each semester, the Purdue Symphony is traditionally made up of students who have distinguished themselves in high school orchestral programs around the country.

The PSO performs regularly for local and regional audiences, and offers two concerts per semester as part of university’s regular concert lineup. In the past the orchestra has also been invited to perform a special concert for the Indiana Music Education Association at its annual convention. Most recently, the PSO collaborated with groups from Purdue Musical Organizations in performances at the Hilbert Circle Theater, the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Soloists for the Hilbert Circle Theatre concert series have included: Susan Rider, trumpet performer with the United States Marine Band, Daniel Rodriquez, America’s Singing Policeman, whose career as a performer began following events of 9/11, 2001; Doug LaBreque, Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera”; Byron Stripling, jazz trumpet legend and Broadway’s “Satchmo”.

Soloist Abraham Huang

Membership in the Symphony Orchestra is based on the results of auditions held each semester. Interested students should come to campus with a prepared solo or etude for this audition, which will also include a basic sight reading exercise. The orchestra meets three days each week for a 90-minute period. Participants receive two hours of academic credit each semester for their efforts, and enjoy participation in an outstanding ensemble that is becoming widely recognized for its artistic accomplishment.

Interested in joining the Purdue Symphony Orchestra?

Click here for audition information