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.
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.

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.
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