A symphony of musical opportunity

If you play the piccolo, you're all set; if you play the tuba, start thinking now about how to pack it. No matter what instrument you play, make sure to lug it along this August, because you will want to be a part of Yale's music scene. With a wide range of styles and selections, competitiveness and time commitment, Yale's music groups suit almost any incoming musician.

With a demanding repertoire and monthly performances, the 32-year-old Yale Symphony Orchestra (YSO) is one of the nation's finest undergraduate orchestras. Led by distinguished conductor Shinik Hahm, the YSO has featured soloists such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma and clarinetist David Shifrin. Students can share the limelight through programs like the annual William Waite Concerto Competition and the Undergraduate Composition Contest.

The Yale Concert Band, another highly respected Yale group, plays an extremely diverse selection of music. Conducted by Thomas Duffy, a Pulitzer-nominated composer, the Concert Band performs both debuts of original compositions and traditional wind ensemble pieces.

From swing dances to be-bop and Latin jam sessions, the Yale Jazz Ensemble is a hard act to beat. Having played at the Village Vanguard and hosted the Ivy League Jazz Festival, the Jazz Ensemble performs upbeat musical genres such as funk and swing. They can also be seen at residential college parties playing in small combos like the Sextones.

A number of other student-run ensembles perform on campus on a regular basis, including the Bach Society Orchestra, the Berkeley Chamber Orchestra, and the Pierson Camerata. These groups provide further opportunities to conduct, compose, and perform. Many students play in one or more of these smaller ensembles in addition to one of the larger groups. Since anyone may become a member in a residential college orchestra, these intimate groups are a good way to meet people outside your residential college.

Students looking for something a little different should try the Yale Precision Marching Band (YPMB). Although the band isn't terribly precise and doesn't really march, its lively halftime antics and humorous field formations have made it a perennial favorite at football and hockey games.

Being a music major is not a prerequisite for participating in any of these groups. In fact, even in the larger ensembles, only a small percentage of the students are music majors. Nor is music limited to these groups; as in all other facets of life at Yale, there is always room for student innovation. This year saw the founding of Yale's first ska band, Ska and Bones, and students can always form their own orchestras or bands or just pick up an instrument and jam by themselves.

Many students also take advantage of private lessons. By auditioning with Yale School of Music professors, students can take lessons with professors or graduate students for credit or just to improve. Placement for free lessons from professors is generally based upon ability and experience, though there are typically different standards for different instruments. To receive credit for private lessons, students must also enroll in Music 210.

With so many groups to choose from, there is no excuse for not continuing your musical endeavors at Yale; it's just a matter of finding the right balance of organized and individual performing. Bring along your instrument, scout out the possibilities during your first weeks on campus, and become part of the Yale music scene.

Graphic by Karen Rosenberg.

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