Interested in exercising your musical talents on stage? The Department of Music in the College of the University of Rochester sponsors several ensembles whose memberships are open to experienced musicians in the greater Rochester community as well to University students.

The ensembles rehearse regularly and present concerts both on the River Campus and in the community. The musical groups and their scheduled audition times on the River Campus include:

  • University of Rochester Symphony Orchestra: 2 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, and Wednesday, Aug. 31, in Strong Auditorium. The 100-member orchestra is conducted by David Harman, professor of music and director of orchestral activities, and presents four concerts each year. Rehearsals are held Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The orchestra is celebrating its 50th season and will perform major works by Brahms, Borodin, St. Saens, and Schumann as well as a world premiere by Eastman School of Music professor and composer David Liptak.

  • University of Rochester Wind Symphony: noon to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, and 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31, in lower Strong Auditorium. The ensemble studies and performs standard and contemporary wind music as well as transcriptions from other genres. In addition to regular on-campus performances, the University Wind Symphony undertakes performing tours. Musical director and conductor is William Tiberio, who teaches at Fairport High School and at Eastman Community Music School.

  • University of Rochester Jazz Ensemble: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, in the May Room in Wilson Commons for rhythm section players (guitar, bass, piano, drums); and 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, in Strong Auditorium for other instrumentalists. The ensemble is directed by Eric Schmitz, candidate for the degree Doctor of Musical Arts at the Eastman School of Music in the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Media.

  • Men's Glee Club and Women's Glee Club: 7 p.m. for Women's Glee Club, and 8 p.m. for Men's Glee Club, on Thursday, Sept. 1, in lower Strong Auditorium. No prepared vocal piece is necessary; auditioners should come ready to sing through exercises with director L. Brett Scott. The tradition of glee club choral performance is being revived on campus. Founded in 1876, the University of Rochester Men's Glee Club continued for more than 100 years before it was joined with the Women's Glee Club to create the University Choir. In their heyday, both groups enjoyed national reputations and exposure. Both groups will rehearse Thursday nights in lower Strong Auditorium; Women's Glee Club rehearsals will be from 7 to 9 p.m., and Men's Glee Club from 8 to 10 p.m.

For more information, contact the Department of Music at (585) 275-2828.