Skip to Main Content

Concordia Symphony Orchestra

Music Department

Dr. Jeff Held

Dr. Jeff Held

Music Director

The Concordia Symphony Orchestra is a primary ensemble, drawing from the top players at the University. At times, members may also perform as the Concordia Sinfonietta for concerts that require smaller orchestras. The season includes a variety of major repertoire from the orchestral canon, new or lesser-known works, church music, Christmas music, and pops orchestra music.

The Concordia Orchestras immerse student-musicians in three major ensembles. Most students are assigned to multiple ensembles to meet the needs of the repertoire. The music assignment load is carefully managed so that students receive experience with many kinds of repertoire without being overwhelmed.

Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30-7:15, with string sectionals on Thursdays from 4:15-5:15.

Prospective students are invited to apply for music scholarships. All Concordia orchestras accept new members at the beginning of each semester. Any student with interest should contact the Music Director.

How to Audition

Musicians have a tremendous opportunity to apply for scholarships ranging from 40% to over 100% off of tuition! Fill out this online form to introduce yourself to us. It will take 5-10 minutes to complete. Please note: you cannot save and return to this form. Be prepared to complete it in one sitting.

Apply for Scholarships

Returning students, contact [email protected] for scholarship opportunities.

Contact

Dr. Jeff Held

Dr. Jeff Held

Music Director

[email protected]
(949) 214-3420

Assistant Dean - School of Arts & Sciences, Director of Arts Activities, Professor of Music, Director of Instrumental Activities

Dr. Jeff Held

Biography

"A very strong musical personality."
(Dr. Glenn Price, conductor of the Cincinnati Conservatory Wind Orchestra)

Jeff Held is the music director of both the Concordia Wind Orchestra and the Concordia Sinfonietta, as well as Director of Arts Activities and Assistant Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences (music, theatre, and art). He joined the faculty of Concordia University in 2005 and established most of the existing orchestral instrument program at the university.

Dr. Held received the Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education from Boston University. His research interest was comparing learning atmospheres for music majors between large and small universities. He received a master's degree from The American Band College at Southern Oregon University and an undergraduate degree in music from Valparaiso University. In addition, he completed the Lutheran Teaching Colloquy from Concordia University, Irvine. His career began as band director and music department chairman at Orange Lutheran High School, where he established a prominent concert band, jazz band, and handbell ensemble. Held is known nationally for his innovative hymn festivals with wind orchestra and voices, sacred-theme concerts, implementation of new music for wind band in worship, involvement with the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and his work as a board member of Lutheran Music Program (which produces Lutheran Summer Music Academy and other music programs).

Education

  • D.M.A. Music Education – Boston University
  • M.A. Arts and Letters – The American Band College (Southern Oregon University)
  • B.A. Music – Valparaiso University
  • Lutheran Teaching Certificate – Concordia University (Irvine, CA)

Teaching

  • Conductor, Concordia Wind Orchestra
  • Conductor, Concordia Sinfonietta
  • Instrumental Conducting Methods and Rehearsal Techniques
  • MUS 112: Music in the Liberal Arts
  • AART 201: Integrated Arts
  • MUS 312: Brass Techniques
Back to top