Under the direction of SFCM Music Director Edwin Outwater, the Conservatory's Orchestra provides a complete overview of symphonic repertoire from classics to contemporary premieres. In addition to his post at SFCM, Outwater is Principal Guest Conductor and Curator of the BBC Concert Orchestra. One of the most versatile and forward-thinking conductors working today, he is equally at home leading The Cleveland Orchestra and on festival stages with Beck.

Orchestral students are led by Outwater, his conducting students, and prominent guests like Mei-Ann Chen, Giancarlo Guerrero, and Michael Christie. Aside from playing contemporary works by composers-in-residency like John Adams and Gabriela Lena Frank, SFCM Orchestra members also get the experience of supporting world-class soloists like Joshua Bell and Joyce DiDonato, thanks to SFCM's ties to industry partners Opus 3 Artists, Askonas Holt and Pentatone Music.