UC Davis’ video game-themed orchestra offers musical magic for members and audiences alike
If you’re searching for an exciting live music performance to attend this quarter or hoping to get involved with one of UC Davis’ student music groups, look no further than Video Game Orchestra (VGO) — a group of talented and passionate students who bring soundtracks from beloved video games to life on the stage.
VGO is composed entirely of UC Davis students and alumni. Auditions for new members are held quarterly, with weekly rehearsals held throughout the school year.
Every quarter, VGO holds a concert in the Mondavi Center, each one built around a specific theme. For instance, their Winter 2025 concert, “Celestial Symphony,” celebrated space-themed video games such as “Super Mario Galaxy” and “Halo.” Likewise, their upcoming Nov. 20 “Gods and Glory” concert promises a focus on mythological gaming stories like “God of War” and the “Hades” series.
The orchestra’s focus on video game music in particular makes its instrumental composition more unique and unconventional compared to standard orchestral compositions. Beyond the classic orchestral sections, VGO also incorporates saxophones, electric guitars and vocal acts.
Aurora Adrias, a third-year psychology major and the orchestra’s principal alto saxophone player, noted how VGO differs from other orchestras.
“Video game music is fun because it’s very different from, say, a classical piece with more traditional orchestra instruments,” Adrias said. “You can have more fun with it, and you can have more unconventional instruments.”
Each concert is backdropped by videos of the orchestra’s footage team playing each respective game. Likewise, the pieces that VGO plays during their concerts are entirely arranged by students.
Sabrina Sanchez, a first-year nutrition science major and a member of the French horn section, recalled being impressed with the complexity of these arrangements.
“I appreciate the composer’s ability to understand the instrument, because it’s music majors [who] are composing the music,” Sanchez said. “I really appreciate that it’s the difficulty you would expect in a symphony orchestra rather than just a casual club.”
For students who are passionate about both music and gaming, VGO offers an invaluable opportunity to meaningfully combine both pursuits.
“Video Game Orchestra was one of the reasons I veered more toward UC Davis when I was considering my applications,” Sanchez said. “I’ve always been interested in video games, and the soundtracks that play in so many of the games are just so beautiful. To be able to have a space to play my favorite pieces, while also incorporating a huge front of my life, is really a gift for me.”
Between passing auditions to participate and performing for hundreds of audience members at the Mondavi Center, the process of joining VGO may seem intimidating at first. However, the community within VGO prioritizes shared passion and friendship as much as technical achievement.
“The community is very welcoming,” Adrias said. “The music brought us together, but it’s very much like a really big friend group.”
Michael Landrum, a fourth-year music major and the orchestra’s conductor, likewise emphasized the fun, friendly atmosphere within VGO.
“It’s a ton of fun to be able to play game music with all your friends,” Landrum said. “VGO is such an inclusive, welcoming [and] inviting community.”
Nicholas Kim, a first-year graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in computer science and a cellist in VGO, recalled one emotional moment from the orchestra’s Spring 2026 concert. At the end of the concert, they played “Alpha” from Minecraft as a send-off to their graduating seniors and conductor.
“It holds a very special place in my heart,” Kim said. “I remember many of the orchestra members were crying as we performed that piece. That emotion definitely got through to the audience, and I could hear sniffing and crying from the audience too. I’m glad that they felt the same emotion we did.”
Landrum chose the orchestra’s performance of a medley from “Team Fortress II” as his personal favorite.
“I grew up playing the game, and I have many, many more hours than I would care to admit,” Landrum said. “I absolutely love that game, so the fact that we were able to play these songs I know by heart was a great opportunity.”
Kim explained how the orchestra’s performances are made special by the sentimental attachments that musicians and listeners form with the music.
“It shares a very similar experience with cinematic music where you attach a story to the music that you’re listening to, whether it be the story from the game, or just a story from a part of your life when you played that game,” Kim said. “To be able to experience that through playing and sharing that music with others who have also gone through the same experience is a blessing.”
VGO offers an outlet and community for those searching for a way to combine the world of orchestral music with that of video games. They will be holding their Fall 2026 concert on Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Mondavi Center.
Written by: NatalieSalter—arts@theaggie.org
