The Temple College Orchestra is an ensemble made up of professional musicians, community members, college students and high school students. The ensemble draws players from Temple, Belton, Killeen, Harker Heights, Holland, Rockdale, Midway, Waco and Austin. The orchestra is committed to musical excellence.

The orchestra performs standard repertoire and performers are exposed to a wide range of musical styles, from the 17^th century to the 21st century. Emphasis is not on avant guard, atonal or "cutting edge" music. Some popular standards may be played.

The ensemble performs one concert on campus each semester. Participation is open to any interested musician who has former orchestral or band experience, or any student who has studied his or her instrument for five years.

Currently, the orchestra is under the direction of Mary Fairlie, a native of Ohio who has resided with her husband in Texas for 21 years. Mrs. Fairlie has played violin in orchestra since age 12 and currently plays first violin in the Temple Symphony Orchestra. She has taught string players at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. She is founder and former conductor of the Orchestra Con Brio.