Winthrop symphony orchestra

 

 The Winthrop Symphony Orchestra (WSO), under the direction of Dr. Elisa Koehler is comprised of string players (violin, viola, cello or bass).  Membership is open to all Winthrop students, regardless of major, who should register for MUSA 161 as an academic course.  Wind, brass, and percussion musicians from the Wind Symphony (band) often join the orchestra for dress rehearsals and concerts, but do not register for the ensemble. Students enrolled in MUSA 161 perform seating auditions during the first week of each semester.

 

String musicians from the local community (high school students aged 15 and up and adult amateurs) are also welcome to perform with the orchestra following a successful audition. Community members pay a $50 fee per semester to help cover the cost of sheet music and supplies. See COMMUNITY MEMBER AUDITIONS below for more information.  

 

WSO violin soloist outdoors

AUDITION APPLICATIONREGISTER HEREWSO COMMUNITY MUSICIAN AGREEMENT TERMS

community member auditions

Auditions will be held on the following days:

• Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
• Thursday, September 3, 2026 (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

 *To reserve an audition slot, complete this online form: COMING SOON

 

audition music

(Click on the links below for downloadable PDFs)

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• String Bass

 

WSO quick facts

Weekly rehearsals take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 pm - 6:15 pm on the stage of Byrnes Auditorium at Winthrop University.
• The orchestra performs 1-2 concerts each semester. The concerts in Fall 2026 are:

  • Saturday, October 3, 2026 - Concert on the Lawn (Family Weekend) - 12:00 pm

• There is no audition fee, however accepted WSO Community Members pay a $50 participation fee each semester and complete an online registration form (link below).
• Participation is open only to community string players. Winthrop University students perform wind, brass, and percussion parts on WSO concerts. 
• Those accepted into the orchestra are expected to attend the majority of rehearsals during the semester (missing no more than four rehearsals). Those who miss five or more rehearsals may not be allowed to perform on WSO concerts. 
 

community member registration form

COMING SOON

 

Dr. Elisa Koehler

Dr. Elisa Koehler

Conductor, Winthrop Symphony Orchestra

Office: 225 Conservatory of Music
Phone: 803/323-4515
E-mail: koehlere@winthrop.edu

Click here to learn more about Dr. Koehler