Orchestra

students playing violin

  • About

    The Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra is comprised of School of Music faculty members, hired professional musicians and students who successfully audition for the School of Music. The Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra generally performs three concerts per semester including Masterworks and Chamber Music series concerts, Labor Day Pops and collaborations with the Millikin Opera Theatre and the School of Theatre and Dance. Membership in the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra places a high demand on students gaining hands-on experience playing alongside School of Music faculty and other professional musicians. For more information, visit https://symphonyguildofdecatur.org/.

     

    Admission Information

    Membership in the Millikin Decatur Symphony Orchestra is open to all students playing string and orchestral woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments via audition, regardless of major. Students playing orchestral woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments must be recommended by their applied instructor after completing an audition.

    For the 2026-2027 season, auditions will take place on Tuesday, August 25 from noon-5pm in PMC 333. For your audition, please prepare: Two scales (your choice) Solo piece(s) including two contrasting styles (lyrical and technical) There will be no excerpts or sightreading for Fall 2026. 

    Interested students should reach out to Professor Matthew Sheppard at mgsheppard@millikin.edu with any questions and to schedule a time.with any questions and to schedule a time.

    Click here for audition excerpts

    2026 - 2027 Season

  • Labor Day Pops

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    Masterworks I: Pictures and Poetry

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    Masterworks II: Beethoven and the Blues

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    Masterworks III: Heroes and Heroines

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    Masterworks IV: Music and Magic

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  • Watch and Listen

     
     May 3, 2025: a Dvorak Celebration

     
    February 22, 2025: For the Young and Young at Heart!