Strings
The Strings Program
at Truman offers a breadth of exciting performance and educational experiences
for performers and future educators. String majors and minors work closely with
faculty in private instruction, master classes, and chamber music coaching. Solo
and chamber music performance is fostered through student recitals, and Truman's
prestigious Gold Medal Competition provides an opportunity for students to
perform as soloists with the University Symphony Orchestra. Faculty performances
occur throughout the year, enriching the musical experience of students and
enhancing the creative environment at Truman. Truman State string graduates are
regularly accepted to many leading graduate programs and summer festivals and
teach in public school string programs throughout the region.
Orchestra members have experienced many facets of European culture through the
Truman State University Chamber Orchestra summer study abroad course and
performance tours. These tours have allowed students to absorb other traditions
and values, deepening their understanding of themselves and their society, which
is integral to a liberal arts education.
Symphony Orchestra
The Truman State University Symphony Orchestra is comprised of 80 student
musicians pursuing majors in a wide variety of academic disciplines. They choose
to attend Truman because of the opportunities to combine the foremost in
academic training at a "highly selective" institution with a broad and
comprehensive liberal arts & sciences curriculum. The music department is an
integral part of this liberal arts philosophy. Significant numbers
of
students from across campus maintain regular participation in music ensembles,
applied lessons and theory/history courses as part of their experience at
Truman. In addition to our outstanding music majors, Truman's music programs,
including the University Orchestra, are enriched by students from throughout the
region who have performed at the highest level during their high school years,
including many former All-State participants.
The orchestra performs 6-7 times annually on campus and tours the region each
fall semester. In addition to standard orchestral programming the
orchestra performs on New Music Festival concerts, with Truman choral ensembles
in major works for chorus and orchestra, and accompanies student soloists on the
annual Gold Medal concert. The Truman State University Orchestra will perform
this January for the third time as the featured university orchestra at the
Missouri Music Educators Association convention in Osage Beach. Members of
the orchestra also tour internationally every other May; having recently
performed in Italy, France, Austria and the Czech Republic.
President's String Quartet
The President’s String Quartet is selected by competitive audition in
March for the following academic year (other arrangements can be made if you are
unable to make this date). Its members receive a stipend of $1800 per school
year in addition to an orchestra scholarship. The quartet is an honors ensemble
that performs frequently at University functions and chamber recitals, competes
at regional and national conventions, and coaches extensively with the strings
faculty. Quartet members are also required to maintain enrollment in private
lessons, the Truman State University Symphony and Chamber Orchestras.
Violin and Viola Studio Website
Cello and Bass Studio Website
Truman Strings Faculty:
Brian Kubin Assistant
Professor of Music, Cello and Bass
bkubin@truman.edu
Sam McClure Associate
Professor of Music, Violin and Viola / Director of Orchestral Activities
smcclure@truman.edu