I’m overwhelmed by the thought of college. Will I have time for Orchestra?     Back to Top
Welcome to the feelings of millions of freshmen over the years. Studies have shown that students who are the busiest are often the best students. With a new-found freedom, many students can easily fritter away their time and not do well in classes. Through the years, many students have told us that Orchestra was a great stress reliever and a welcome respite from engineering/computer/math/etc. courses. A former concertmaster, who graduated in chemical engineering, told us that Orchestra was what kept her sane in her incredibly difficult studies. Most of the string players in Orchestra are majoring in other disciplines such as all fields of engineering and computers, Spanish, anthropology, biology, communications, English, agriculture, elementary and secondary education—you name it!

When will I find out about whether or not I received a string scholarship?      Back to Top
The last date for scholarship auditions is March 20. The string professors decide the amount offered to each qualified incoming string student, which depends upon the pool of money available, how many students are applying, and the need for certain instruments to balance the sections within the Orchestra. We like to mail the scholarship offers early in April. You must return your acceptance by May 5 in order to receive the scholarship. If you decide to go to another school or to reject the scholarship, we greatly appreciate it when you promptly return your form declining the offer so that we may use that money for other deserving students.

How often does the Orchestra rehearse?      Back to Top
During the Fall Semester, the Orchestra rehearsals are on Monday evenings from 7:30—9:30 and on Tuesday/Thursday from 2:30—3:20. Marching Band meets in the fall, so the Orchestra does not have the rehearsal room available after 3:20. During the Spring Semester, the Orchestra rehearsals are on Tuesday/Thursday from 2:30—4:20.

I noticed that scholarship students must help during String Fling weekend as part of their scholarship responsibilities. What is String Fling?      Back to Top
String Fling will celebrate its 37th anniversary in 2010. Anywhere from 600-850 string students in grades 5-9 attend a weekend festival the first weekend after classes begin in January. There are seven orchestras. Scholarship students are required to set up chairs on Friday and then help tune and chaperone from 8:00—4:00 Saturday and 8:30—12:00 on Sunday. This requirement is non-negotiable. String Fling generates about a third of the string scholarship money.

I’ve enrolled in Chemistry this fall and the exams conflict with Orchestra on Monday evening. What should I do?      Back to Top
Many freshmen have this problem; it is unavoidable. Enroll in both courses. Chemistry students take the exam, which lasts until about 8:15, and then come late to the Orchestra rehearsal. All Chemistry students take these exams en masse a few times per semester.

May I take private lessons if I am not a music major?      Back to Top
Yes, if there is room in the professor’s studio and you have his or her permission. You must be enrolled in Orchestra in order to take private lessons. If you are a music major or minor, you will enroll in Music 255. If you are not a music major or minor, you must enroll in Music 255 and will be assessed a $45 fee (payable in the Music Office, McCain 109) in addition to the charge per credit hour.

May I play in a string quartet or other chamber ensemble?      Back to Top
Yes, Dr. Cooper coaches several student chamber music groups.

Are lockers available? May I rent an instrument?      Back to Top
Yes. You may rent an instrumental locker for $10 a semester; a padlock is provided. You may also rent an instrument, depending on availability, for $25 a semester. We have many fine instruments for rent.

I notice there are several course listings for Orchestra. Which one do I enroll in?      Back to Top
Freshmen and sophomores should enroll in Music 130. Orchestra course listings with higher numbers (404 and 843) are for juniors, seniors and graduate students.

If I don’t receive a string scholarship, may I still play in the Orchestra?      Back to Top
Yes. Many string players in the Orchestra do not have a scholarship, nor did they ever audition for one. There is simply not enough money in some years to offer scholarships to everyone who auditions.

I have other questions. Who can answer them?     Back to Top
Dr. Cora Cooper (vn/va) or Dr. David Littrell (vc/db) E-mail us anytime!

109 McCain Auditorium
Department of Music
Kansas State University
Manhattan KS 66506-4702

Dr. Cooper: corac@k-state.edu
(785) 532-3820
Website