The Cornell Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is one of the largest musical groups on the Cornell campus. The group's members are drawn from all circles of Cornell life, including undergraduate students, graduate students, Cornell faculty, and members of the Ithaca community. Under the direction of Chris Younghoon Kim, the Cornell Symphony Orchestra has continuously strived to present the best works of contemporary composers as well as compositions by established musical figures.
| Course Number | Fall: MUSIC 343. Spring: MUSIC 344. |
| Credits | Either 0 credits, S-U, or 1 credit, letter grade, each semester. |
| Prerequisite | Successful audition. |
| Conductor | Chris Younghoon Kim |
| Orchestra TA | Spencer Topel |
| Location | B20 Lincoln Hall and Bailey Hall Ithaca, NY 14853 |
| Contact | Tel: 607-255-8614 E-mail: cyk8@cornell.edu |
Regular rehearsals are held in B20 of Lincoln Hall.
| Monday | 6:30 - 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 - 8:35 PM |
The following is a list of dress rehearsals that have been scheduled in addition to the normal rehearsals.
Since the Symphony Orchestra is a performance-oriented course, it is expected that each member will attend all rehearsals and performances. For any musical ensemble to be successful, every member must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the group. Lateness and absence are detrimental not only to the actual music making but more importantly, to the morale of the entire orchestra. Therefore, grades are based on attendance and musical preparation.
Seating is made on a concert-by-concert basis. Rotation is at the discretion of the conductor, possibly in consultation with other members of the faculty.
Attendance at all concerts and all rehearsals is required. Absence from rehearsals and concerts will be excused only in cases of incapacitating illness or family emergency. Written notice is required, and a doctor's note may be requested. Absences for reasons other than the above will affect your grade and/or membership in the orchestra (see below). At the discretion of the conductor, you might be asked to find a substitute should you be excused from a rehearsal.
Attendance is taken at 6:30 PM on Mondays and 7:00 PM on Wednesdays, (the rehearsal studio clock) and rehearsals begin on time with the tuning note. All musicians should be in their places and warmed up before the start of each rehearsal and after break. Frequent tardiness will affect one's grade and/membership in the orchestra. It is the student's responsibility to request excuses, and document absences/lateness in writing. Each unexcused absence above two (2) will result in your grade being lowered 1/3 letter. Six (6) unexcused absences will cause dismissal with an F. Two tardies will count as one unexcused absence. Absences during concert week will not be allowed so please do not even ask. For last minute emergencies, please leave messages on the conductor's voice mail, (607)255-8614.
| Women | All black: Black skirts or black (dress) pants, black blouse, dark hose, elegant black shoes. |
| Men | All black: Black (dress) pants, jacket, white shirt, black bow tie, black socks and black shoes. No sneakers or jeans please. |
There will be sectionals scheduled occasionally throughout the semester, usually during the regular rehearsal time with guest coaches. Sectionals will be coached by either the conductor, the orchestra TA, a guest artist or a section leader. It is required that all attend sectionals. You will have at least a one-week notice of all sectionals via email and on the orchestra website. Sectionals are a great opportunity to make up for lost rehearsal time resulting from an absence.
There will be opportunities to attend master classes and recitals by guest artists for all members.
The orchestra website will have all current info about upcoming rehearsal schedules and concert schedules: http://www.arts.cornell.edu/orchestra
To be included on the orchestra's listserv please contact Chris Kim cyk8@cornell.edu.