When Chris Wintrode arrived at Saint Louis University, the musician had one question: Where was the orchestra?
“I was surprised that SLU didn’t have a symphony,” he said. “[I thought], thousands of people go here, and we don’t have an orchestra?”
He decided to do something about it, and helped start the Saint Louis University String Orchestra.  Though not a full-fledged symphony, SLUSO offers an opportunity for stringed instrument players to play together in an orchestral setting. Started last fall, SLUSO gives classical music junkies a place to get their fix.
SLU students playing in a small string ensemble hatched the idea for the orchestra.
“[Even though the ensemble was] really small, we knew there were people who wanted to join an orchestra,” Ted Juch, a former member of that ensemble and current SLUSO member, said. “I know a lot of people were really involved in high school [orchestras] … It wasn’t something I wanted to pursue as a career, but [I] still wanted to be a part of it.”
Marc Thayer, a faculty member in SLU’s music department and vice president for Education and Community Partnerships at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, was instructing the string ensemble at this time. Together with Wintrode, Juch and SLU’s Music Program in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, Thayer helped turn the string orchestra into a reality. They raised interest in the group by posting flyers on campus and by advertising through SLU Connection and on Facebook.
Thayer says that the campaign paid off.
“I was hoping in the first year to have half as many [as we do now],” Thayer said. “We have over 40 people, and new people are joining frequently.”
Wintrode emphasizes the large diversity of the group.
“As we advertised, people came out of the woodwork,” he said. “Students in psychology, a medical resident, a young Jesuit, different faculty members, [they all joined].”
The orchestra also features some high school students, some students from Washington University in St. Louis and Webster University, as well as foreign exchange students.
Students can participate for class credit, but SLUSO welcomes anyone who wants to play. An audition is not required to join.
Despite its success, the orchestra is still looking forward. While those in charge agree it would be great to have a full-fledged orchestra with woodwinds, brass and percussion, they want to focus on SLUSO.
“I think anything’s possible down the road, but right now our goal is to really strengthen and solidify this group through campus and community exposure,” Thayer said.
The orchestra has two upcoming concerts, one on March 24 at Powell Hall, and another on April 23 at St. Francis Xavier College Church.
People interested in joining should get in contact with  Marc Thayer at [email protected].