Welcome to Arkansas State University!

Strings & Orchestra

Strings Orchestra Page.png

The Arkansas State University String Area is committed to promoting the excellence of performance in music across Arkansas and includes study in violin, viola, cello, bass, and guitar. Our professional string faculty at A-State are active as performing members of regional orchestras, chamber musicians, and soloists with a passion for teaching and local outreach. All active string players across the university and surrounding community are welcome to participate in the various performance offerings which include orchestra, chamber music, and private lessons and independent study. Outside of these performance opportunities, A-State also regularly hosts inspiring performances by world-renowned string ensembles such as the Juilliard String Quartet and 6-Wire Trio.


  • String Faculty

    Jenny Cao, Violin, Viola, Cello, & Bass, Coordinator of Strings
    rcao@astate.edu

    Andrew Manka, Guitar
    amanka@astate.edu

  • Orchestra

    The A-State Orchestra is directed by Dr. Nicholas Balla. It is open to all students in good standing with the University as well as community members and area high school students. The ensemble explores the wealth of literature from the standard string repertoire to works for full orchestra. The Orchestra has recently performed music by Vivaldi, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Debussy, Bartok, Nielsen, and Respighi. The group regularly features guest artists including faculty members of Arkansas State University and collaborates yearly with the A-State Department of Theatre and A-State Opera Theatre.  The ensemble meets Monday 6:00pm-8:00pm.


Strings & Orchestra
Contact the String Area Coordinator

Jenny Cao

Phone: (870) 972-3757

Room: 135
Fine Arts Center

String Scholarships