K-State Symphony Orchestra

The Kansas State University Orchestra program is a vibrant community of musicians representing many major fields of study including music performance, music education, music composition, engineering, architecture, computer programming, business, foreign language, and many more. All musicians are welcome!

Under the direction of Dr. Rachel Dirks, the orchestras perform exciting and engaging concerts in McCain Auditorium, throughout the Manhattan community, and around the world featuring a wide array of literature from contemporary works to classical favorites. For more information about our current KSUSO season or to view past programs, visit our Concert Schedule page. We look forward to sharing music with you!

It's not to late to join the K-State Orchestra Team!

Fall 2026 auditions for the K-State Symphony Orchestra & Wildcatz Contemporary String Ensemble are now complete. Check back later this fall for Spring 2027 audition information.

The K-State String Symphony is a non-auditioned string ensemble that meets once each week (Tuesdays 4:30-6:00). The ensemble performs twice each semester with a focus on engagement concerts that connect the musicians with the K-State and Manhattan communities. If you are still interesting in joining the String Symphony, it's not too late! To enroll in the ensemble, students may sign up for one or zero credits using the following course number: MUS 280S (18218) and attend the first rehearsal on Tuesday, September 1.

Tallgrass String Festival & All-State Prep Day - Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Join the K-State String Division faculty and special guest clinician, Soon Hee Newbold, for an exciting and rewarding day of music. To learn more about what this festival offers and to register your students, visit the Tallgrass String Festival webpage.

The 2026-27 season of JOY!

Stay tuned for more information about the amazing season of JOY! with the K-State Orchestra program!

Orchestras @ K-State - Music in Motion!