About the LCCO

The Lafayette Chamber Orchestra is open to all students, faculty, and staff.  The Chamber Orchestra is primarily a string ensemble that is augmented by winds, percussion, and keyboards as needed to perform specific repertory.

We don’t have auditions per se, but a competent level of sight-reading ability is required.  Only sections leaders are chosen by audition.  Participants can expect to perform music from all time periods from the 17th to the 21st century. Students will be able to understand the relationship between performance and historical context. In this environment they will develop increased skills in ensemble phrasing, sight-reading, and overall musicianship, and will be able to apply their enhanced performance skills to other musical styles and genres, and have a greater understanding for musical elements, techniques, style, and presentation. Students will also learn how to play in a Chamber Orchestra, with or without a conductor, and learn the etiquette and leadership responsibilities necessary to be a part of the group. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to work with guest artists and participating music faculty members. A concert of prepared repertoire is given once each semester.  Recent performances have included music of Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and contemporary composers, Jeff Manookian, Elaine Fine, and Lafayette College’s Kirk O’Riordan.