Orchestra

Orchestral activity has taken place on Whitman College’s campus for over a century.  As far back as 1898, a string orchestra at Whitman performed the music of Handel and Mendelssohn for audiences of the Walla Walla community.

Today’s Whitman Orchestra offers students an opportunity to perform music from some of the greatest artists of the orchestral tradition.  Over the course of each school year, the orchestra performs music that ranges from baroque suites to modern symphonies.  It explores famous masterworks as well as neglected treasures with instrumentation that ranges from pieces for string orchestra to those for a full symphonic orchestra.

The orchestra is comprised of both music majors and students majoring in other fields—a reflection of the varied interests among typical Whitman students.  At the annual concerto competition, students vie for the opportunity to perform in concert with the Whitman Orchestra.  Having toured throughout the region to cities such as Seattle and Portland, the orchestra maintains an active presence in local community as well as the greater Northwest.  

The ensemble is open to all string, wind, and percussion students through audition.  Audition materials can be found here.  Students interested in participating with the Whitman Orchestra should contact Professor Luongo.

Watch the Fall 2015 Orchestra Concert