OrchestraYour future in
unison.

Friends University prepares you to become part of something larger than yourself. For academics as for life, purpose is found here.

The perfect place to start.

Your interest in orchestral performance has a future starting at Friends University. You’ll be prepared to pursue professional instruction or performance, while establishing a firm intellectual foundation and boundless artistic development.

Start your future in music.

Orchestra Highlights

Your passion for music.

Our string ensemble performs many styles of music, including classical, folk, fiddle, 20th century, improvisation and more.

Scholarships Available

Scholarships are available for both degree-seeking students and non-majors who want to continue their string playing.

Exceptional Faculty

Highly qualified and experienced faculty on every instrument. At Friends University you will have the opportunity to work very closely with faculty while having wonderful leadership and solo opportunities!

Annual Events

Orchestra events include an annual spring concert featuring the winner of the Miller Competition – a prestigious student concerto contest.

Apply for a Fine Arts scholarship today!

Orchestral Ensembles

Where the fun begins.

Participation in ensembles fulfills degree and scholarship requirements, and provides an opportunity for both the development of solo and group performance skills, and the integration of applied and academic studies. Ensembles provide a supportive community of excellence to foster professional and personal growth and to represent the university.

  • University Community OrchestraThe University Community Orchestra consists of instrumentalists from the university and the community. The 60-piece orchestra presents several annual concerts and performs standard orchestral literature as well as contemporary works. Dr. Lillian Green is the conductor of the University Community Orchestra.
  • Chamber OrchestraThis orchestra is an auditioned ensemble performing diverse genres and styles of music. The 20-piece string ensemble performs on campus and in the community. Dr. Lillian Green is the conductor.
  • Chamber EnsembleVarious small instrumental ensembles are formed according to student interest and availability. These ensembles are coached by faculty specialists and also satisfy chamber performance requirements.

Featured Faculty

Laura Black

Laura H. Black

  • Violin
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M. Violin Performance, University of Michigan; M.M. Violin Performance, Indiana University
Howard Glanton

Howard Glanton

  • Classical Guitar
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M., Music Performance, Eastern New Mexico University; M.M., Music Performance, Texas Tech University
Amy Hoffman

Amy Hoffman

  • Flute
  • Fine Arts
  • B.S. Arts Administration/Flute Performance, Butler University (Indianapolis)
Anna Jeter

Anna Jeter

  • Organ
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M. Organ Performance, Friends University; M.M. Organ Performance, University of Oklahoma
Christopher Johnson

Christopher Johnson

  • Clarinet
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M.E Music Education; Kansas State University; M.M. Instrumental Conducting, Kansas State University; M.S.E. Education (emphasis in educational technology), Fort Hays State University
Denise Kintzel

Denise Kintzel

  • French Horn
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M. Horn Performance; Wichita State University, B.M.E. Music Education K-12 (emphasis in Special Education), Wichita State University; M.M.E. Music Education (emphasis in Special Education) ,Wichita State University 
Jamie Knight

Dr. Jamie Knight

  • Assistant Professor of Piano
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M. Piano Performance, Friends University; M.M. Piano Performance, D.M.A. Piano Performance, Manhattan School of Music
Shawn Knopp

Dr. Shawn M. Knopp

  • Assistant Professor Music Education & Band Director
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M.E. Music Education, Kansas State University; M.E. Wind Band Conducting, M.M., Kansas State University; PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Kansas State University
Joy Lenau

Joy Lenau

  • Piano
  • Fine Arts
  • B.A. Music, Mary Washington University; M.M. Piano Pedagogy, Wichita State University
Nathanael May

Dr. Nathanael May

  • Professor of Music; Tim & Gail Buchanan Division Chair of Fine Arts
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M. Piano Performance, University of Wisconsin –Whitewater; M.M. Performance and Literature, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester; D.M.A. Performance and Literature, University of Kansas
Kirsten Moler

Kirsten Moler

  • String Bass
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M. String Bass Performance, Wichita State University, B.M.E. Music Education, Wichita State University
Greg Nickel

Greg Nickel

  • Tuba
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M. Music, Biola University, California; M.S. Library Science, Emporia State University
Canès Nicolas

Canès Nicolas

  • Assistant Professor of Strings; Director of Orchestra
  • Fine Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts Music, University of Minnesota Duluth; Master of Fine Arts Orchestral Conducting, Ohio University; Doctor of Musical Arts Orchestral Conducting, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Nicholas Schroeder

Dr. Nicholas Schroeder

  • Assistant Professor of Music, Program Director of Jazz
  • Fine Arts
  • Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, University of North Texas; Master of Music in Jazz Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Stephanie Shelden

Stephanie Shelden

  • Cello, Voice
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M. in Cello Performance, B.M. in Vocal Performance; WSU; M.M. University of North Texas
Andrew Slater

Andrew Slater

  • Percussion
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M. Percussion Performance, Pittsburg State University; M.M. Percussion Performance, Wichita State University
Cindy Thompson

Cindy Thompson

  • Oboe
  • Fine Arts
  • B.M. Oboe Performance, Wichita State University; M.M. Oboe Performance, University of Akron
Kimme Whittemore

Kimme Whittemore

  • Bassoon
  • Fine Arts
  • B.A. Music and German, B.M.E. Music Education, University of Montana; M.M. Woodwind Instruments, Baylor University

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