K-State Symphony Orchestra
A vibrant community of musicians representing many major fields of study
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!
Join the K-State Orchestra Team!
The K-State Orchestra program offers three different string performance experiences...
The Kansas State University Symphony Orchestra (KSUSO) offers musicians a challenging musical experience featuring four main performances each season. Repertoire performed by the KSUSO ranges from classical favorites (Beethoven and Brahms), challenging masterworks (Shostakovich Symphony #5), and exciting world premieres. To learn more about the ensemble and to audition for the KSUSO, visit the KSUSO Fall Audition Webpage.
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. To learn more about the String Symphony at K-State, please plan to meet Tuesday, August 25 at 4:30 PM in McCain 201. To enroll in the ensemble, students may sign up for one or zero credits using the following course number: MUS 280S (18218).
The WILD CATZ Contemporary String Ensemble is a new auditioned ensemble with a focus on exploring modern performance styles for string musicians. Members of the Wild Catz will choose and create repertoire through a collaborative process that features the creativity each musician brings to the ensemble. Musicians wishing to audition for the Wild Catz String Ensemble should prepare an audition excerpt of no longer than 2 minutes in length demonstrating their skills with contemporary styles (Jazz, Bluegrass, Rock, etc.). Wild Catz auditions will take place the first week of school - students may sign up at McCain 234 beginning August 20. To enroll in the ensemble, students may sign up for one or zero credits using the following course number: MUS 280T (18219).
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!