The University of Arizona School of Music boasts two orchestras:  The Arizona Symphony Orchestra and The UArizona Philharmonic Orchestra.

Information about auditions for the 2025-26 orchestras:  https://ensembleauditions.music.arizona.edu

 The Arizona Symphony, the school’s pre-professional orchestral ensemble, performs six challenging concert programs and collaborates each semester with the UA Opera Theatre. Composed primarily of music majors, the orchestra is open to qualified non majors and members of the UA community. Rehearsals are M/W/F afternoons from 2-3:50. Students admitted by audition to the Arizona Symphony will register for MUS 200-O, 400-O, or 500-O: Section 1. Contact Director of Orchestral Activities Dr. Thomas Cockrell for more information. To be considered for the Arizona Symphony please sign up for an audition above.

The UA Philharmonic Orchestra is composed of music majors, minors, non majors and UA community members. The Philharmonic is conducted by doctoral conducting students András Derecskei and Juan Montoya, under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Cockrell. Frequent sectional rehearsals lead by the Fred Fox Graduate String Quintet emphasize the improvement of technical and ensemble skills. “The Phil” meets T/Th, 7:30 – 9:30 P.M.  Students are admitted by audition to the UA Philharmonic will register for MUS 200-O, 400-O, or 500-O, Section 2. Please contact Dr. Thomas Cockrell for more information.

The Arizona Symphony Orchestra, the School of Music’s pre-professional orchestral ensemble, performs six challenging concert programs and collaborates frequently with the UA Opera Theatre. Composed primarily of music majors, the orchestra is open to qualified nonmajors and members of the UA community. Rehearsals are M/W/F afternoons from 2-3:50. Students admitted by audition to the Arizona Symphony will register for 400-O, or 500-O. Contact Director of Orchestral Activities Dr. Thomas Cockrell for more information.  Dr. Cockrell will be on sabbatical Fall 2025.  Maria Fátima Corona Del Toro and Dr. Elizabeth Schauer will lead the orchestra in concerts, September 27, November 2 and December 6.  Dr. Cockrell returns in January 2026 and the ASO will perform February 7-8, March 26-29 with UA Opera and April 2026

The UA Philharmonic Orchestra is composed of music majors, minors, nonmajors and UA community members. The Philharmonic is conducted by doctoral conducting student J Alexander Bennett under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Cockrell.  Frequent sectional rehearsals emphasize the improvement of technical and ensemble skills. “The Phil” meets M/W 7:30 – 9:30 P.M.  Students are admitted by audition to the UA Philharmonic will register for MUS 400-P or MUS 500-P. Please contact Dr. Thomas Cockrell for more information.  2025-26 season concerts will be October 8, December 10, February 25, March 26-29 for UA Opera, and April 29.