Although RIT does not include music among its professional programs (majors), the study of music has long been an important component of what is considered a solid foundation for the educated individual. In this tradition, the RIT Orchestra's mission is to develop the skills and knowledge of amateur musicians, and thus enhance the life of this community and the communities into which RIT graduates enter.  Participants in the RIT Orchestra come from all parts of the RIT and greater Rochester community, and include students, faculty and staff from each college at RIT. During the academic year, members of the RIT Orchestra study the various theoretical, historical and technical facets of the musical arts through rehearsing and performing orchestral and chamber repertoire from ca. 1600 to the present day. Membership is open to anyone from RIT and the Rochester area that values the role of quality amateur music performance.

For more information about the RIT Orchestra, or if you or someone you know is interested in auditioning for the RIT Orchestra, please contact Dr. Michael E. Ruhling at 475-2014, or by email: michael.ruhling@rit.edu.

RIT Orchestra: 2012-2013 Season - Tentative Schedule

Theme: The Classical Style

The 2012-2013 pedagogical goals and repertoire choices will focus on ideas and techniques related to music composed roughly 1740-1820, including works of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and their contemporaries. This will include at least one  work not performed in at least 200 years ("modern première"); thus far we plan to give the modern première of a clarinet concerto by Grenser, with a "period" clarinet player. Each quarter we will not only give a concert, but also one or two public lecture-presentations on the Classical style, on Monday evenings during regular rehearsal time (7:30-9:00), possibly broadcast (web stream, radio?). As part of this focus, I am pursuing the possibility of retaining some artists-in-residence for the year who are experts in the style, to give sectionals, recitals, and to play with us in the concerts.

Auditions: September 3-7.

Everyone (students) will audition. Parts for the fall music are posted on the Web site. It is expected that you will have learned the part BEFORE your audition— do NOT come unprepared! Auditions will consist of excerpt from this music, scales, and sight- reading. Given the nature of the Classical repertoire, winds and brass (Fl, Ob, Cl, Bsn, Hn, Tpt) will be accepted in limited numbers, we will not be auditioning trombones or tuba, and will only be accepting one percussionist (timpanist). Sign up sheets for auditions will be on my office door (Liberal Arts, rm. 1110) beginning Thursday, August 30. Rehearsals: Monday nights 7:00-9:50, SAU Music Room, beginning September 10. 

Typical rehearsal schedule—

6:30                    Room set-up complete.
6:30-7:00             Arrive, unpack, warm up, tune individually with tuners.
7:00-7:30             Discussion, listen to recordings (commercial or previous rehearsal), presentation.
7:30-7:40             Warm up, look over music considering discussion/listening/presentation.
7:40-7:45             Tune.
7:45-9:15             Rehearse.
9:15-9:50             Discussion, listen to rehearsal recording excerpts.