College of Charleston Orchestra

08/25/2026

Ever wondered what it’s like to be part of the CofC Orchestra? 🎻🎶

We asked some of our orchestra members why they joined and what they love most about being part of the group. From making music with friends to the joy of performing together, there are plenty of reasons to join!

We’d love to have every musician join the CofC Orchestra! If you play an instrument and want to make music with us, come be part of the group.

🎼 Mondays | 6–8:30 PM
📚 1-credit class — enrollment is required

Come play with us! 💙

08/20/2026

Please welcome back Meleana Cabales, our wonderful Administrative Assistant for the CofC Orchestra! 🎼

In addition to her strong passion and experience in non-profit arts administration, she is a mezzo-soprano who has been featured in operatic roles with College of Charleston Opera, Charleston Opera Theater, Harrower Summer Opera, Chicago Summer Opera, and as a concert soloist with the Charleston Symphony.

Meleana’s work and her leadership are an indispensable part of the success of our students and CofC Orchestra. We are so excited to welcome her back!

   

08/07/2026

🎻 College of Charleston Orchestra Auditions 🎶

Ready to make music with us this year? Auditions are on Sunday, August 16, from 2:00 to 7:00pm in Cato 234.

⏱️ Audition slots are 5 minutes long. Sign up using the link in our bio.

🎼 All College of Charleston students and staff are welcome to audition on any instrument!
We're especially looking for:
• Flute/Piccolo
• Clarinet
• Bassoon
• Viola
• Double Bass
• French Horn
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Percussion

All members - both returning and new - must sign up for an audition for ensemble placement.

We can't wait to hear you! 🎶

08/05/2026

Please join us in welcoming Ryo Hasegawa as the College of Charleston's new Director of Orchestra! 🎻

Driven by a vision to transform the concert experience, Ryo Hasegawa serves as Assistant Conductor of the Charleston Symphony and Founder of Mudita, a multidisciplinary initiative promoting cross-cultural artistic collaboration. Known for his dynamic presence, inventive programming, and ability to connect deeply with musicians and audiences, he is building an active international profile across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

We are excited for our students and the Charleston community to learn from his artistry, leadership, and global perspective. Welcome to the College, Ryo! 🎼

03/13/2026

We're bringing a taste of Charleston with us to Boston!

Did you know Gershwin was inspired by Charleston's Gullah culture when composing Porgy and Bess? Although it was his only full-length opera, the work brought us several memorable tunes, including Clara's famous aria "Summertime".

Don't miss your chance to see CofC Orchestra play Gershwin's evocative melody, featuring soprano Laila Dye-Sharpe and fellow CofC Opera students!

📍Gaillard Center
🗓️Monday, March 16th at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available on the Gaillard Center website!

12/01/2025

Come and see CofC Orchestra in concert TONIGHT!

This is a thrilling program featuring Holst's The Planets and operatic selections from Copland's The Tender Land and Bernstein's Candide, performed with .

Don't miss your chance to see this stellar showcase of musical magnitude 🎶 ✨

Tickets available at

11/25/2025

11/14/2025

Join us on December 1st for a spectacular concert featuring Gustav Holst's THE PLANETS 🪐 This stellar masterwork characterizes the planets in our Solar System with music as fiery, mischievous, serene, and ethereal as their astrological traits.

Our Fall Concert also features a special collaboration with CofC Opera. The two ensembles will perform operatic selections from Bernstein's Candide and Copland's The Tender Land.

Tickets are available now at the George Street Box Office!

10/03/2025

Practicing for planetary greatness 🌍🌌

Here are a few clips from rehearsal as we prepare for our fall concert...

Come experience Holst’s Jupiter and more on Monday, December 1 at 7:30 PM in the Sottile Theatre!

🎟️ Get your tickets at the George Street Box Office. Link in bio!