The University Orchestra
The Hochschule Offenburg Orchestra is a motivated, diverse group of students, professors, and staff who make music together. We are a group of 25 to 35 musicians with a steady influx of new members. Our repertoire includes modern wind ensemble music at the intermediate or advanced level.
Join us! We’re looking for new members in the low brass section!
Any member of the university community is very welcome to play with us! Currently, we especially need new members in the tenor horn, trombone, and bass (including electric bass) sections. But of course, all instrument groups are welcome!
Impressions
More Information
Want to play?
Trial Session
Every rehearsal is a trial rehearsal! Just sign up quickly by email and then come play with us!
Instruments
Thanks to the support of the Friends and Sponsors Association of Hochschule Offenburg, we have a drum set and a pretty decent collection of percussion instruments. Otherwise, each member plays their own instrument.
Audition
Don’t worry—we don’t do auditions. But just dropping by a rehearsal helps us see if we’re a good fit.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Offenburg campus (lobby of Building B).
In exceptional cases, rehearsals take place at the Stadtkapelle Offenburg, since we’re allowed to use their percussion equipment (timpani, tubular bells, etc.).
To prepare for concerts, we organize rehearsal Saturdays or even entire rehearsal weekends.
We use the “Konzertmeister” software to communicate dates and announcements within the orchestra.
We expressly encourage you to come check us out!
Anyone who’d like to check us out is welcome to come to a rehearsal. It’s best to let us know briefly via email beforehand.
Concerts, Projects, Performances
Musical Director
The orchestra is currently conducted by Udo Sutter (since May 2016), who is otherwise active in the music scene in the Kehl area. He plays the trumpet himself in various ensembles, such as the Ortenau Orchestra in Offenburg, and serves as vice conductor of the Kork Music Association.
Thomas Müller, a student at the University, was our conductor during the orchestra’s early years (2014 through spring 2016). After he continued his studies in England, he had to step down as music director.
Organizational Management
A team of four members handles all organizational matters related to the orchestra. At least one elected student member is always represented.
Philipp Groß (graduate)
Petra Möhringer (Library Director)
Johanna Porr (student)
Cédric Schwerdtfeger (Graduate)
The organizing team is supported by Nadine Weber, who is primarily responsible for publicity and social media.
About Our History
The University Orchestra was founded in 2014 as a project orchestra on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Hochschule Offenburg, at the initiative of the then Chancellor, Thomas Wiedemer.
Due to its popularity, the orchestra soon became a fixture at the University, performing regularly at various University events. We provide musical accompaniment for University celebrations, play at building inaugurations, and perform at events for first-year students.
Our connection to the University is important to us. We represent the University at events such as the State Garden Show in Lahr or the Christmas markets in Offenburg and Gengenbach.
Providing the musical accompaniment for a silent film at the “Shorts” event, organized by the Media Department, is and remains one of our highlights.
Under the motto “Music meets Technology,” we hosted our first concert at the RIZ. It was a special evening in an unusual atmosphere—exclusive and one-of-a-kind. With the summer concert, which we introduced in 2023, our schedule is well-filled!
... and other things ;-)
In addition to the music, we make sure to enjoy plenty of group activities: Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join us after rehearsal—for example, to grab a pizza and wind down the evening in a relaxed atmosphere.
It’s almost become a tradition for us to go on a ski trip for a few days in February and hiking in the mountains in July.
Rehearsals
Time:
Tuesdays,
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Location:
Offenburg University Campus, Foyer of Building B,
or
the rehearsal space of the Offenburg
City Band at the Konrad-Adenauer-Schule, Platanenalle 9
Contact