Information on Musical Opportunities: Orientation 2008
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private instruction is available for credit through the Eastman School to any River Campus student who can demonstrate an intermediate level of accomplishment on an instrument or voice. These lessons are not for beginners. Auditions for the lessons will take place during the first week of classes. If you have not done so, please contact Josef Hanson for more information.
MUSIC THEORY PLACEMENT TEST
The Music Theory Placement Test will be given on Tuesday, August 26 at 9:00am in Lower Strong Auditorium (right before the Music Q+A Session). If there is even a slight possibility that you will take a music theory course while at UR, you should take this test. This will be the only time the test is given this year! If you plan to take the test, make sure you contact Josef Hanson to RSVP.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT ENSEMBLES
Audition information for these ensembles is posted on the large bulletin board in the second floor stairwell of Todd Union. See audition times listed below.
Brass Choir New this year! About 20-25 members, including trumpets, horns, trombones, baritones/euphoniums, and tubas. This group plays anything and everything, from Renaissance pieces to modern arrangements. Rehearsals are held Friday afternoons. No audition required!; please come to the informational meeting on Monday Sept. 1 at 1:00pm in Todd Union room 202F.
Wind Symphony A standard wind ensemble/concert band-style experience. About 70 members, performing standard and contemporary works and transcriptions from other genres; the group tours often. Rehearsals are held Monday evenings. Audition required.
Mens Glee Club and Womens Chorus - The University of Rochester Mens Glee Club and Womens Chorus continue on a proud musical tradition that extends back almost 130 years. These groups are open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members that love to sing. The groups perform separately and together, and often collaborate with the Universitys instrumental ensembles. Rehearsals are held Monday (Mens) and Thursday (Womens) evenings. Informal voicing required for women; interested men should simply show up.
Chamber Orchestra - About 40 students performing music from baroque to contemporary, touring nationally and internationally to showcase UR students' versatility. Performs on campus and in the Rochester community, including the annual Viennese Ball. Rehearsals are held twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. Audition required.
Symphony Orchestra - Its blend of undergraduate and graduate students and community members have kept this group of 100 in existence and thriving for 50 years in performance of orchestral masterworks. The group meets on Tuesday evenings. Audition required.
Jazz Ensemble - A 17-piece instrumental ensemble, this group performs a wide variety of music from standards to newly-commissioned works. Rehearsals are held twice a week on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Audition required.
Chamber Singers - A versatile, select ensemble of 28-32 members that performs a cappella and chamber music dating from the 14th to the 21st centuries. The group tours often; rehearsals are held twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. Audition required.
Gospel Choir - Specializes in a blend of traditional and contemporary gospel music; founded nearly 30 years ago. The group meets on Tuesday evenings. Open to any student, regardless of faith or religious background. Informal voicing required.
*In addition to these ensembles, the Department of Music also has a chamber ensembles program and informally supports a wide variety of student-organized musical groups, including a percussion ensemble and the popular a cappella singing groups: After Hours, Vocal Point, the Midnight Ramblers, and the Yellowjackets.
ENSEMBLE AUDITION TIMES
Sign-up sheets are located on the large bulletin board in the second floor stairwell of Todd Union.
Wednesday, August 27th
Wind Symphony auditions: 1-4pm, Lower Strong Auditorium
Friday, August 29th
Wind Symphony auditions: 1-4pm, Lower Strong Auditorium
Womens Chorus informal voicings: 2-4pm, Todd Union room 108
Sunday, August 31st
Gospel Choir informal voicings: 2-4pm, Todd Union room 108
Monday, September 1st
Chamber Singers auditions: 9am-1:30pm, Todd Union room 108
Brass Choir informational meeting: 1-1:30pm, Todd Union room 202F
Gospel Choir informal voicings: 2-4pm, Todd Union room 108
Tuesday, September 2nd
CLASSES BEGIN
Orchestra auditions: all day in Strong Auditorium
Chamber Singers auditions: 2-7pm, Todd Union room 108
Jazz Ensemble auditions: 4-6pm, May Room in Wilson Commons
Wednesday, September 3rd
Orchestra auditions: all day in Strong Auditorium
Womens Chorus informal voicings: 10am-12pm in Todd Union room 108
Jazz Ensemble auditions: 4-6pm, May Room in Wilson Commons
Thursday, September 4th
Jazz Ensemble auditions: 4-6pm, May Room in Wilson Commons
- The a cappella group audition times will be announced during orientation.
- If you are interested in joining the Mens Glee Club, simply show up at the first rehearsal in Lander Auditorium (Hutchison Hall) on Monday Sept. 8 at 6:00pm.
Still have questions? Attend the Music Q&A Session on Tuesday August 26 at 9:30am in Lower Strong (after the Theory Placement Test).
