Professor Emeritus Edwin Hames founded the Hillsdale College/Community Orchestra in 1951.  Today the Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra comprised of strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion with membership open to Hillsdale College students and members of the surrounding Hillsdale community by audition or recommendation of the studio professors.  Music Department faculty serve as members of the orchestra where they coach their respective sections and lead by example.  The orchestra performs a broad range of standard repertoire from the different western stylistic periods including modern works often featuring faculty, student and guest soloists.
 
Conductor: James Holleman