The Morgantown Community Orchestra (MCO) is the largest music ensemble of the Community Music Program at West Virginia University having reached 55 musicians in January 2023, the largest it has been in over a decade.
Membership for the MCO is open to everyone including youth, non-music and music major collegiate students, adults and senior citizens throughout the greater-Morgantown community or other counties of the state. The orchestra welcomes intermediate and advanced level players who wish to share and develop their artistic talents while enjoying music-making in a friendly orchestral setting. For potential new members, a gentle informal trial audition is recommended. The repertoire is carefully chosen to accommodate the ensemble’s need for music with a wide range of styles and difficulty.
For Students, Youth, Adults, and Seniors
Register OnlineDetails and Duration
| Duration | 10 weeks |
|---|---|
| First Rehearsal | February 8, 2025 |
| Rehearsals | Saturdays (weekly): 10 a.m. to Noon |
| Location | Canady Creative Arts Center Room 2070 |
| Concert Date | November 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Canady Creative Arts Center Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre |
| Cost | Concert $58 + processing fee |
NOTE: We kindly request that you submit your registration form and process payment by the due date. This will allow for smooth and successful operations, appropriate for the needs of this large ensemble, as well as the organization of a fun and valuable experience for our community members.
Learning and Performance Goals
In this ensemble, you will learn to:
- interpret the language and intentions of conductors
- play in an ensemble at an intermediate to advanced level
- develop fundamental and analytical aural skills
- understand the organization and the craft of orchestral work
- implement important orchestral etiquette tips
Youth Strings
Beginner adults and young string players in elementary and middle school may register separately for beginner lessons to be held at the same time as MCO. Register for Youth Strings.
History of MCO
The history of the Morgantown Community Orchestra (MCO) can be traced back to the first decades of the WVU School of Music, founded in 1897. Enrollments were small in the early years, and for the School of Music to have an orchestra, talented members of the community and students joined in performances. This was certainly the case as late as the 1920s. Subsequently, the WVU Orchestra grew to the point where there were a sufficient number of students to perform orchestral literature, and the community ensemble languished until it was revived in the 1970s. It has been in continuous existence ever since. The MCO is a unique and exciting group in Morgantown, providing you rehearsals of a wide range of repertoire. It is a perfect opportunity to keep your fingers in good shape and sharp. If you want to learn how to play in a symphonic orchestra, or to improve your skills, here is your chance!
Note to Parents of Young MCO Members
Although the Creative Arts Center is a safe environment, parents are advised to accompany young children to and from rehearsals and to not leave them unattended for any length of time. The Director cannot be expected to be responsible for waiting around after rehearsals to keep watch on children.