About the Orchestra
What is the Utah Folk Orchestra?
We are a community ensemble that meets monthly to play a wide range of pretty folk music. Our repertoire is incredibly diverse and includes tunes from Celtic, Old Time, Bluegrass, French Canadian, and Norwegian traditions, among others. The focus is on fun, collaborative music-making!
How often do you meet?
We meet once a month. Check our main calendar for the exact date, time, and location of our next session.
What should I bring?
If you plan to use sheet music, please help us out by downloading and/or printing out the sheet music ahead of time. Bring that with you, as well as an appropriate stand for your medium. We highly recommend using a tablet and the app Mobile Sheets to organize the music; we will combine the tunes into “sets” and flipping between pages will be cumbersome.
What is the sustenance situation at the Sugar Space?
Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase on site. Utah restaurant alcohol rules apply. We highly encourage purchasing a snack to thank Sugar Space for the free session space!
Participation and Skill Level
Who can join the orchestra?
Everyone is welcome! We are open to all instruments and all skill levels. The only minimum requirement is the ability to listen and blend in with the group, and a desire to have fun!
What kind of instruments are okay?
All acoustic instruments are welcome! We love the diversity. That includes fiddles, guitars, banjos, mandolins, flutes, cellos, basses, percussion, and anything else you can bring. But remember, the minimum skill requirement is the ability to blend in. So, for example a beginner mandolin player might have an easier time blending than, say, a beginner trumpet player.
How is the group structured?
We sit in a circle, and the seating is self-assigned. We encourage more experienced players to sit toward the middle, with beginners fanning out toward the edge. This structure allows everyone to hear well and enables less experienced players to learn from those around them.
Do I need to audition?
No, there is no audition required to join. Just show up and play!
Is there a minimum or maximum age?
Nope. However, any children found to be there under duress will be provided with caffeine and new curse words.
Music and Learning
Will sheet music be provided?
Yes. We provide melody sheet music for the tunes, which includes the main notes and chords. Paper copies will be provided on site and pdfs (suggested for use with apps like Mobile Sheets) are provided on this website as they are assigned. If you prefer to learn by ear or just want to show up and learn the tunes live, that is perfectly fine too!
Do you provide sheet music for harmonies?
Sometimes! Throughout 2025 we have been updating the sheet music with harmonies and backups, so always check the website for the latest versions. These harmonies are suggestions, and you're free to take them and develop them further. Sometimes we only have the chords written above the melody, in which case players are encouraged to try their own backups and harmonies. That's all part of the learning and fun!
Do I need to be able to read sheet music?
No. While we provide sheet music, many people learn the tunes by ear. You can use whichever method is most comfortable for you. Perhaps a hybrid while you work on one skill or the other!