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.
Traveling
overseas with the Truman State University Chamber Orchestra as part of the
University's Study Abroad program has
allowed students to achieve substantive
understanding of another perspective on the world, deepening their understanding
of themselves, their society, and their own values, which is integral to a
liberal arts education.
Additionally, string students may also be selected to participate as instructors
in the Kirksville After-School Strings Program, where they gain valuable
hands-on experience teaching beginner and intermediate string students at Ray
Miller Elementary School.
Symphony Orchestra
The Truman State University Symphony Orchestra is comprised of 90 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.
The orchestra annually performs 6-7 times on campus and tours the region each
fall semester. In addition to standard orchestral programming the
orchestra performs regularly with
University
Chorus, accompanies student soloists on the annual Gold Medal Concert, and
collaborates in bi-annual musical and opera productions. Recently, the orchestra
performed at the 2006 Missouri Music Educators Association conference in Osage
Beach, MO. Members of the orchestra also tour internationally every other
May; in 2004 the ensemble performed a two-week tour of France. Truman State
University is also a host institution for the Missouri International Music
Program a two-week summer music festival in Tuscany, Italy.
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