Main
The Main Ensemble is a non-audition, full symphony orchestra that consists of over one hundred members who choose the semester’s repertoire, conductors, and leadership. CSO Main has a relaxed environment that’s perfect for people who want to keep up their passion for music without the stress of a high time commitment. Main is the original CSO ensemble and remains the heart of the orchestra. We accept all skill levels, so any company is welcome!
Repertoire
Voted on by the orchestra
Moderate difficulty (approx. grade 3-5)
Spring 2026 Repertoire:
Voices of Spring Waltz (Strauss II)
Salut d’Amour (Elgar arr. Elgar)
Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture (Tchaikovsky)
The Bamboula Rhapsodic Dance for Orchestra (Coleridge-Taylor)
Membership Requirements
No audition required
Dues: $25 per semester / $35 per year
Attendance: May miss no more than two rehearsals to be eligible to play in the concert.
Philharmonic
The Philharmonic Ensemble is an smaller group of about thirty-five members. The ensemble plays either more challenging music or pops pieces - it all depends on what the ensemble wants. Join the Philharmonic Ensemble to play even more music or to play with a smaller orchestra!
Repertoire
Voted on by the orchestra
Spring 2026 Repertoire:
Overture to Cosi fan Tutte (Mozart)
Pavane for a Dead Princess (Ravel arr. Ravel)
Rehearsal Time
Rehearses for one hour directly after Main Ensemble rehearsals, from 2pm - 3pm
Membership Requirements
Must also pay dues and fill out the membership form.
Chamber
Chamber Groups are small ensembles of 2-10 members that play music with a unique style or instrumentation. Members of a Chamber Group select their own repertoire, decide on a practice schedule, and have at a variety of unique performance opportunities. Chamber Groups are open to anyone, including players who are not members of the CSO Main Ensemble. We are always looking to form new groups!
Previous Groups
Jazz band - “The Bumpin Somethins”
Classical string quartet “All Strings Considered”
String quintets
Flute choir
Saxophone quartet
Trombone quartet - “The Bone Zone”
Past Performance Venues and Partnerships
CSO Spring 2024 Chamber Concert
The Brown College Arts and Music Festival (BAM)
Swing Club at UVA
Weddings
BBQ & Jazz nights at the CSO house
Intermission of CSO Main & Phil concerts
And other prior performances
Interested?
Contact our Chamber Director, Clayton Hilt with questions about joining a chamber ensemble.
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