Orchestras
Dr. Russell Guyver
Director of Orchestras
The University of Northern Colorado Orchestra program draws upon a rich and well-founded tradition of excellence, and has developed into a program that has received national and international recognition. The UNC Orchestra has been awarded “Best U.S. College Orchestra” in DownBeat magazine’s Annual Student Music Awards in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. The orchestra has also represented the U.S. in The International Cycle of University Orchestras in Zaragoza, Spain in 2003 and 2006.
Instrumental students are assigned to Symphony, Chamber and Opera Orchestras according to their abilities and needs. The orchestras rehearse three times each week and present a full concert and opera series. UNC Orchestras have also appeared regularly at Colorado State Music Educators conventions.
Western States Honor Orchestra Festival
November 5th-7th, 2009
A major regional event held at UNC each fall sponsored by UNC String Faculty and Orchestras. High school string players from the western United States are invited to audition in order to participate. Successful applicants receive intensive orchestra training, attend master classes, and perform with renowned soloists and conductors over a three-day period.