The ARCO Chamber Orchestra was originally founded in Russia in 1989 at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory by Levon Ambartsumian. When Mr. Ambartsumian joined the University of Georgia's School of Music  faculty in In 1995, he remained the artistic director and conductor of the orchestra, moving its home base to the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, where the ensemble has now become a talented international blend of musicians.

Since its creation, Ambartsumian has led UGA's ARCO Chamber Orchestra, commercially releasing 15 CDs and has performing four times in Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall. In 2011, ARCO was invited to perform at La Fenice, the world famous Opera House in Venice, Italy.

Watch the documentary ARCO in Venice, 2013 Merit Award winner, Georgia Association of Broadcasters Awards

Levon Ambartsumian & ARCO Chamber Orchestra YouTube Channel

 The Wind Symphony meets year-round, performing the finest standard and new repertoire for wind band at several concerts each season in the UGA Performing Arts Center. The Wind Symphony regularly features outstanding guest artists and performs collaborative concerts with Georgia High School Bands.

Membership is determined by blind audition and includes undergraduate music majors, music minors, and gifted non-majors who are preparing for careers in performance, music education, or a life-long involvement with music.

 

For more information, visit the University Bands website.

Experienced undergraduate music majors, minors, and non-majors from across campus are all invited to participate in the University of Georgia Symphonic Band, one of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music's large wind bands.   The Symphonic Band focuses on the classic band repertoire as well as exciting new music, and has recorded for C. Alan Publications. The newly organized Undergraduate Conducting Apprentice Program is also hosted by the Symphonic Band, and the ensemble presents a year-long concert series at the UGA Performing Arts Center.

Michael Robinson leads the UGA Symphonic Band.  Membership is determined each semester by blind audition.



For more information, visit the University Bands website.

Known for its appearances at University of Georgia football games, the Redcoat Marching Band (MUSI 4835) was founded 1905 as a section of the UGA Military Department.  What started as 20 military cadets slowly grew into the band's current roster of over 400 male and female students representing the diversity of the University of Georgia at Bulldog football games.

The Redcoat Marching Band is under the direction of Brett Bawcum, Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands. All University students are invited to apply for membership, which is determined by audition. Membership requires a weekly rehearsal schedule and performance at all the UGA home football games. When attendance does not infringe on academic requirements, attendance at away games is required.

Concert and University Band website

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s woodwind department features internationally recognized faculty, attracting talented young musicians from the United States and abroad.

Woodwind students at the Hodgson School enjoy countless opportunities for solo and ensemble performances, including annual concerto competitions. Students have the opportunity to participate in and collaborate with the Hodgson School's numerous small chamber ensembles, orchestras, bands, and choirs. Additionally, student musicians can also gain valuable interactive performance and teaching experience by participating in one of the Hodgson School's numerous educational and community outreach programs.

The voice area at UGA’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music is a comprehensive program, supporting students in our various undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as the Musical Theatre Certificate Program. Whether you aspire to be a performer, conductor, educator, therapist, composer, or want to use your vocal training in another vocation, there’s a place for you here. Our internationally recognized faculty have a broad range of expertise, performing and teaching multiple genres and vocal styles.

Performance opportunities for singers at The Hugh go beyond required solo recitals and ensemble concerts. Undergraduates can participate in staged productions as a member of Opera Ensemble or by auditioning for musicals in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies. Voice students frequently collaborate with student composers, commissioning new works to be premiered and performed at UGA and beyond. Students are encouraged to think creatively and explore their own identities through performance of music of diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives.

Our faculty and curricula aim to nurture and the whole artist. In addition to rigorous training in singing, musicianship, acting, lyric diction, and professional studies with our acclaimed faculty, UGA students have access to world-class visiting artists. Among the artists who have given masterclasses for our students recently are Angela Brown, Eric Owens, Lea Salonga, Renée Fleming, Talise Trevigne, and Renée Elise Goldsberry.

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s string department features internationally recognized faculty, attracting talented young musicians from the United States and abroad. 

String students at the Hodgson School enjoy countless opportunities for solo and ensemble performances, including annual concerto competitions. Students have the opportunity to participate in and collaborate with the Hodgson School's numerous small chamber ensembles, orchestras, bands, and choirs. Additionally, young musicians can also gain valuable interactive performance and teaching experience by participating in one of the Hodgson School's numerous educational and community outreach programs.