Cedarville University

Hi, I was curious about Cedarville's orchestra - I've looked on the website but can't seem to find too much information about it.

Is it necessary to have a major or minor in music to be able to join?
Also, what is the level of difficulty for the auditions? I play the viola, and have often been in the first couple of chairs in the school orchestra, but the pieces we play are not that difficult. I am just curious about how hard it is to get it, and am not even sure if I'm going to join yet.

I do have a love for music though, even though I'm not majoring in it. I hope to keep it an important part of my life by joining the orchestra, but am a little worried about what is required.

Thank you,
Ariana

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Class of 2015
Intended Major: International Studies (possibly double majoring in Philosophy)
Intended Minor: Missions and the required Bible

Hi Ariana,

I'm not in the orchestra, but there are a number of opportunities to be involved in the Music-based ministries at Cedarville. There are auditions held for most groups right at the start of each semester (when you arrive on campus, check the itinerary that they give you as that will have the dates & times of the various auditions).

To be honest, your best bet is to email one of the Music Department Professors as they're all very friendly and would probably be rather excited to hear from a incoming students (before coming to Cedarville, I emailed a couple of people and they were very helpful --and it makes it a great experience when you get to meet them in person and realize how friendly they really are!)

If you're wanting to be involved in performances, I'd suggest contacting Dr Mike Di Cuirci (dicuirci@cedarville.edu) who will be able to give you more detailed information (he's one of the professors in the Music & Worship Department and conducts orchestra when they do chapel performances) - I don't know for certain what requirements are, but the level of skill is relatively high. There are of course lessons etc and as with all departments at Cedarville, they love taking you to new heights of skill & ability!

However one thing that some students do (if they're not music majors!) is to join the plethora of students who participate in different worship-teams in chapel. For more info on this side of things, I'd suggest contacting Dr Roger O'Neel (oneelr@cedarville.edu) who will be able to tell you more about what's involved/what requirements are. There are plenty of opportunities to be involved in different ministries and even less formal settings where private lessons are offered etc.

Don't hesitate to contact the professors. They may not get back to you immediately, but the do get back to you and I've found them to always be approachable. All the faculty & staff on campus tend to be very supportive of the students and love to see us flourish, grow and strive to do well. They'll be cheering you along the way!