Learn more about Occidental’s Orchestral Ensemble, directed by Chris Kim.
The Occidental Symphony Orchestra is an orchestral ensemble that plays music from the Baroque era through today. Through its collaboration with Oxy's music composition program, the Orchestra performs and records new music by student composers. The Orchestra frequently partners with the Occidental Glee Club to perform a large choral work with orchestral accompaniment. Enrollment is by audition during the first week of each semester. Fall auditions will be held on the Sunday of Orientation week each fall semester (For fall 2025, Sunday August 24. Lesson scholarship and Orchestra auditions are held at the same time. You will get a specific slot after completing the online audition form. As the community orchestra for Northeast Los Angeles, the Orchestra is not only open to all students but also alumni and community members.
About Us
The Occidental Symphony Orchestra, composed of approximately 50 musicians (take a look at our roster), is dedicated to performing symphonic repertoire from the baroque through the twentieth century, as well as contemporary works of our time. The Symphony Orchestra is directed by Chris Younghoon Kim. The orchestra has collaborated with many young composers. Recently the orchestra premiered works by Timothy Shortell and Jake Szwarcewicz. The link below also has a recent collaboration between Pasadena Youth Symphony, Occidental Jazz Ensemble on March 25 in a performance of Duke Ellington’s Three Black Kings. If you would like to learn more, or if you would like to speak to a current member of the orchestra, please contact Chris Kim at ckim2@oxy.edu.
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How to Join
Membership in the Occidental Symphony Orchestra is open to all Occidental students by audition.
Fall auditions happen in-person. Lesson scholarship and Orchestra auditions (held together) will be on Sunday of Orientation week - Online audition form
Check out our 2025 Community Collaboration Concert:
