This course involves rehearsing and performing in small performance groups in music, theatre and dance. Groups may include flute choir, saxophone quartet, horn ensemble, woodwind or brass ensembles, theatre groups engaged in devised or classical theatre, dance groups, or mixed instrument or vocal groups. Ideas about as well as the application of collaboration and/or improvisation will be emphasized. Students will be led by a faculty member and will rehearse weekly. Collaborative practice in rehearsals and performances will also be discussed and applied within the context of the students’ major(s). Instructor approval required.

Students will receive private (one-to-one) instrumental or voice lessons and participate in studio performance opportunities. Private lessons are offered to support the RIT ensembles program, therefore only students who are active participants in an approved RIT ensemble will be eligible for lessons.

An in-depth examination of a selected aspect of performing arts with a focus on performance and composition.

From the mid-1800s to today, the harmonica has largely been learned informally, passed down by generations of musicians who have used it to play melodies, solos, and chord accompaniment. It was a natural for the blues because of its human voice-like quality and flexible way to play “blue” notes. Blues musicians developed a harmonica style that reverberates in many musical styles today. This interdisciplinary course focuses on the history and culture of the harmonica and the blues. Students learn about era-related harmonica styles, influential harmonica players, the basics of playing blues-style diatonic harmonica, and the fundamentals of sound. Students will attend a live music performance in the Rochester community.