ISSUED: 4 August 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The Shepherd University Community Music Program will hold auditions for three of its ensemble programs this month: Shepherd Community Orchestra, Sinfonia: A Learning String Ensemble, and the Shepherd Community Big Band.
These ensembles provide performance opportunities for student and adult musicians across a range of skill levels and musical styles.
As part of Shepherd University’s ongoing commitment to community enrichment and music education, the Community Music Program offers instruction and ensemble experiences led by professional musicians and educators.
Auditions for String Ensembles
- When: Wednesday, August 27, 6–9 p.m.
- Where: Frank Arts Center 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown, WV, United States, West Virginia 25443
- Who:
- Community Orchestra: Middle school to adult advanced-level string musicians
- Sinfonia: Middle school to adult intermediate-level string musicians; intermediate elementary students welcome
- Cost: $160 per semester
Auditions for Shepherd Community Big Band
- When: Monday, August 25
- Where: Frank Arts Center 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown, WV, United States, West Virginia 25443
- Who: 8th–12th grade students interested in performing in a high-level jazz big band
- Cost: $160 per semester
About the ensembles
- Shepherd Community Orchestra, directed by Camilo Pérez-Mejía, provides advanced string players—from middle school through adult—with a rich performance experience in orchestral repertoire.
- Sinfonia: A Learning String Ensemble, under the direction of Renee Shaw Nutwell, offers intermediate string players the opportunity to develop technique and ensemble skills in a supportive learning environment.
- Shepherd Community Big Band, led by Matt Holmes and Tanner Petri, is a high-level jazz ensemble for students in grades 8–12, focusing on ensemble performance, improvisation, and jazz interpretation.
For more information, please email the Shepherd University Community Music Program at communitymusic@shepherd.edu or call 304-876-5711.
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