Shepherd Community Orchestra and Sinfonia: A Learning String Ensemble
Auditions for the Shepherd Community Orchestra and Sinfonia: A Learning String Ensemble will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from at the Frank Arts Center. Contact communitymusic@shepherd.edu to schedule an audition.
Since 1998, the Shepherd Community Orchestra has partnered with the Shepherd University School of Music, providing a unique opportunity for area string students to rehearse and perform alongside collegiate musicians and local professional string players. The program offers valuable experience in performing orchestral string repertoire in a collaborative setting. The orchestra is under the direction of Camilo Pérez-Mejía. Shepherd University Music faculty string coaches for the orchestra are Heather Austin-Stone for Violin I, Renee Shaw Nutwell for Violin II, Kathy Gleason for Viola, and Camilo Pérez-Mejía for Cello. The orchestra meets Wednesday evenings starting January 14 from 7:30-9:00 pm in the Frank Arts Center. A concert will be held on April 29, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Sinfonia: A Learning String Ensemble is directed by Renee Shaw Nutwell. Designed for intermediate-level string students—from middle school through adult—this ensemble offers musicians the opportunity to develop their ensemble skills in preparation for advancement to the Shepherd Community Orchestra. The ensemble meets Wednesday evenings starting January 14 from 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. at the Frank Arts Center. A concert will be held on April 29, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
How to Prepare
To audition for the Shepherd Community Orchestra, participants should prepare a solo piece of music, a 3-octave scale, and be prepared to sight-read. To audition for the Sinfonia, participants should prepare a solo piece of music, a 2-octave scale, and be prepared to sight-read.
The cost to participate in the Orchestra or Sinfonia is $160 per semester.
For more information, contact: communitymusic@shepherd.edu