“Every time the Alabama Symphony Orchestra takes the stage, audiences experience the culmination of countless behind-the-scenes decisions.” An interview with Clay A. McCollum, Director of Artistic Administration, and Nick Ciulla, Personnel Manager and Acting Principal Trumpet Every time the Alabama Symphony Orchestra takes the stage, audiences experience the culmination of countless behind-the-scenes decisions. Who plays...Continue reading→

.. time In a previous blog post, writer Nicky Swett heard from ASO string players about their experiences searching for instruments. In this article, he speaks with Alabama Symphony Orchestra musicians about how they came to their wind and brass instruments. The contrast between searching for brass instruments and string instruments I began by asking...Continue reading→

. Cellist, writer, and musicologist Nicky Swett speaks with Alabama Symphony Orchestra musicians Lauren Peacock and Boyu Li about how they came to the string instruments they play on. The transition from early beginnings to “The Search” Many string players have little memory of the very first instruments they used. “I started on violin when...Continue reading→

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) community honors our veterans for their vital contributions to defending our freedom. We can genuinely honor veterans by deepening our understanding of their experiences and supporting them in meaningful ways that address their needs and challenges. Here, we say “thank you for your service” with this feature about one veteran,...Continue reading→

From the desk of Clay A. McCollum, ASO’s Director of Artistic Administration When I’m asked, “Hey, Clay, what are you most excited for in the 2025-2026 season?” my immediate reaction is this: “I’m excited that the orchestra is producing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific in concert in January 2026.” Hi, I’m Clay McCollum, ASO’s Director...Continue reading→

Music has always meant a great deal to me, as it does to many of us. I believe it is hardwired into us to some degree. That is how people who have never played an instrument may have a sense of rhythm or harmony. I played trumpet and baritone throughout my school years, but like...Continue reading→

In a new series of Alabama Symphony blog posts, cellist, writer, and musicologist Nicky Swett interviews ASO musicians about their summer activities.   On May 25, 2025, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra rounded out the 2024-25 season with the rousing fanfare at the beloved annual free concert series “Symphony in the Summer” at Birmingham’s Railroad Park....Continue reading→

By Emma Kosht, Alabama Symphony Orchestra Librarian The first piece of tonight’s program has just concluded, and Maestro has exited the stage. Without much ado, a person carrying a score (a book of music from which the conductor conducts) walks out onto the stage and steps onto the podium. You may be wondering who that...Continue reading→

This article appeared in the Hoover Sun on June 19, 2025. “When I recently became involved with the ASO, I quickly realized how much I had underappreciated it. The talent, dedication and passion behind this orchestra are extraordinary. These musicians and staff work tirelessly to create truly remarkable experiences: live performances at an artistic level...Continue reading→

There’s something unforgettable about watching a favorite film on the big screen. But when the score is performed live by a full orchestra—every soaring melody, every pulse-pounding moment—the story comes alive in an entirely new way. At the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, our Movies in Concert series transforms your favorite blockbusters into immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Whether...Continue reading→

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is proud to celebrate another successful season filled with family-friendly concerts, interactive orchestra experiences, student-focused orchestra performances, and exceptional orchestral training for our student musicians in Birmingham, Alabama. The ASO continued its mission to create interactive orchestral programming for young audiences across the state of Alabama. This year, ASO partnered...Continue reading→

The 2025 Momentum Symposium is an event you don’t want to miss. Momentum, presented by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, is a daylong collaborative symposium designed to bring students, educators, and community members together to talk about the music industry and build valuable connections with other professionals. Whether you’re an aspiring performer, music educator, producer, sound...Continue reading→