Strings

Learn More: Placement Auditions

String students at Furman University benefit from a comprehensive academic and applied program designed to meet the needs of the future professional musician as well as the non-music major who desires to continue study. The experienced string faculty offers instruction and training in solo, chamber and orchestral music in a variety of undergraduate degree programs.

FURMAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHAMBER STRINGS

The Furman Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Joiner, is an 80-member, all-student orchestra that rehearses twice weekly. In addition to presenting two full orchestral programs and a chamber orchestra concert each year, the orchestra joins the combined Furman choral groups for fall and spring oratorios. Every other year the orchestra provides an opportunity, through competitive auditions, for outstanding students to perform concerto movements with orchestra. In alternate years the orchestra joins forces with the Furman Opera Theatre for a fully staged opera or musical.

Membership

Membership in the Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Strings is decided by audition at the beginning of the year. Auditions are open to majors and non-majors alike. Seating within the sections is based upon these auditions and prior experience. Wind and Percussion assignments are based upon the needs of the individual pieces and by audition for members of the wind faculty held at the beginning of the year.

Guest conductors

Guest conductors who have worked with the orchestra or presented concerts include Keith Lockhart, Conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra and Music Director of the Utah Symphony (and a Furman alum), Richard Kaufman, Principal Pops Conductor of the Dallas Symphony and Music Consultant at MGM/United Artists Television in Hollywood, Maxim Shostakovich, and Robert Moody, Associate Conductor of the Phoenix Symphony (and a Furman alum).

CHAMBER MUSIC

Chamber music is a vital part of the Furman string program. Each fall students audition for positions in the Hartness and Gladden string quartets. These faculty-coached quartets present several programs each year in addition to performing for university and community functions. Each member receives a $1,000 scholarship. Cellists meet weekly to rehearse and perform cello choir literature. The International Chamber Music Series presents outstanding chamber groups on campus in the Daniel Recital Hall. These visiting chamber groups often present master classes for our students. Recent groups on the series include the Fine Arts Quartet, the Australian String Quartet, the Brazilian Guitar Quartet, the Chilingirian Quartet, the Eder Quartet, the Martinu Quartet, the Brno Chamber Orchestra, and violinist James Buswell with pianist Lee Luvisi.

CLASSICAL GUITAR STUDY

Guitar study at Furman is led by classical guitarist Steven Walter. Music majors and non-majors alike have the opportunity to study classical guitar and participate in guitar chamber music ensembles. Guitarists study classical technique, performance, literature, historical styles and pedagogy all in the one-on-one setting of their weekly lessons. Off campus opportunities for teaching and performing abound. Guitar classes in the popular styles are offered to students at the beginning and intermediate levels. Students with skills in the jazz guitar area have the opportunity of participating in the Furman jazz program, led by saxophonist Matt Olson.

HARP STUDY

The study of harp at Furman is led by Furman graduate Anita Burroughs-Price, principal harpist with the North Carolina Symphony. Students have the opportunity to participate in a full schedule of solo, chamber and orchestral experiences.

STRINGS FACULTY

Thomas Joiner Area Coordinator,
    Violin & Orchestral Studies
Ian Bracchitta Jazz Bass
Anita Burroughs-Price Harp
Tim EasterDoublebass
Christopher Hutton Cello, Chamber Strings
Anna Barbrey Joiner Viola, Music Ed
Deirdre Hutton < Violin
Steven Walter Classical Guitar

The Furman Symphony Orchestra

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