Question 1

What is the planned repertoire for this academic year?
When are the concerts and dress rehearsals?

Accepted Answer

The 2026-2027 season includes music of Tchaikovsky, Haydn, American composers Jeffrey Nytch and Howard Hanson, Carl Maria von Weber, Ruggero Leoncavallo, British composer Doreen Carwithen, and more!
URSO & URCOPRISMConcertMeliora WeekendFriday, October 2, 2026URSONovember 17, 2026
(Recording Session)February 19, 2027April 10, 2027URCONovember 21, 2026February 26, 2027April 9, 2027Combined Orchestras
1812 Overture @ Strong Auditorium / Eastman Quadrangle / Cannon IncludedApril 27, 2027​

Question 2

What is the concert dress code?

Accepted Answer

The concert attire for both orchestras is black pants or a black floor-length skirt and any solid color shirt or blouse OTHER than black or white. Flooding the stage with visual colour and fantastic music, while not looking like a large group of head waiters is the goal!

Question 3

What should I do if I have to miss a rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

First off, do your UTMOST NEVER to miss a rehearsal.That's where the bulk of our work is done and the community we build depends upon you.If you must be absent from a rehearsal, fill out this google form for any absence three weeks before the rehearsal takes place. This is the same procedure for enrolled students, volunteers, and community members.

Question 4

What is the attendance policy?

Accepted Answer

The attendance policy is SHOW UP.The world is run by those who show up. For students registered for the course, your grade is participation dependent. See the course syllabus for details.

Question 5

How are the ensembles seated?

Accepted Answer

Seating rotates every concert and sometimes within specific repertoire on the same concert. It is never a strict hierarchy. Members of different ensemble experience, repertoire, and previous study are placed throughout the ensemble's sections to strengthen both the section and the players within it.The community you create every time you sit in a chair with your colleagues exists nowhere else and is never more powerful that when everyone works toward a high artistic goal.

Question 6

Do I have to register for the orchestra as a course?

Accepted Answer

If you are an enrolled U of R student and want academic credit for the course, you may add MUSC153 for URSO, MUSC154 for URCO to your class schedule. You do not need to be registered to play in the ensemble. The great strength of a collegiate/community orchestra is the depth built by students, faculty, alumni, staff, and community members from an astonishingly broad collection of experiences. We are delighted you are here.

Question 7

How will the course be graded?

Accepted Answer

For those enrolled, attendance and effort are the measure of your grade. The rules are the same for everyone. Show up. Play.

Question 8

How can I get more involved in the orchestras?

Accepted Answer

Join the University of Rochester Orchestra Committee (UROC)!Join our library staff! Those positions are paid.Take a conducting class and work with the orchestras from the podium!Reach out to Dr. Powell!

UR ORCHESTRAS

Frequently asked questions

What is the planned repertoire for this academic year? When are the concerts and dress rehearsals?