The most rapidly growing ensemble of the CMU music department, The CMU Symphony Orchestra (String Orchestra in the fall semester) is an audition-only large ensemble that performs an exciting mix of styles and works. Professor Brian Krinke uses his many years of professional orchestral experience to guide students in multiple performances each semester. The orchestra was a performing guest ensemble featured at the Colorado Music Educators Association in Spring 2025, presenting a mix of great works at the beautiful Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs. The string orchestra is also featured each fall for String Day, the annual day-long Western Slope orchestra festival hosted and directed by CMU faculty. The ensemble also receives occasional coaching from Dr. Jason Pegis, who also occasionally plays as a soloist with the group, as well as from CMU String Day guest artists.

Professor Krinke has decades of varied experience teaching experience. He has instructed many gifted young violinists and violists of all ages at the Special Music School in New York City. SMS is a unique, selective, K-12 public school, serving musically gifted children in NYC. Mr. Krinke’s students have won awards and gone on to attend major music conservatories and perform with many professional ensembles.

It was wonderful to perform in January with terrific colleagues and musicians in Minnesota.