For those interested in music attending Rochester

<p>Does Eastman allow students attending Rochester to audition for their orchestra? are there any benefits to having such a great music school as a part of the University?
if they do allow students who are not enrolled in Eastman, but enrolled in Rochester, to audition is it hard to get in (specifically for a viola)?</p>

<p>There are three ensembles at the River campus: a wind ensemble that is not difficult to get in as long as you can prove you’re an “intermediate player”, a full orchestra, and a smaller chamber orchestra that is quite competitive. The wind ensemble and orchestra rehearse 1 night per week, and the chamber orchestra twice per week.</p>

<p>Those who belong to any of these groups can receive free private lessons once per week at the Eastman school. There are free buses.</p>

<p>Keep in mind, the Eastman is one of the finest conservatories in the world–it would be very difficult, I would imagine, for a River campus student to get into one of their groups.</p>

<p>I don’t believe that River campus students can audition for Eastman ensembles. Even if you were able to, the rehearsal schedules often conflict with River campus classes. I don’t believe that you have to be in a River campus ensemble to get free lessons at Eastman. I think any student can get them if they have a certain level of proficiency. Lessons will be with a grad student or an adjunct faculty member. </p>

<p>Another advantage for River campus students is being able to attend performances at the Eastman Theater at low cost. They get an amazing number of performers through there. And the Eastman ensembles are fabulous in and of themselves.</p>

<p>I don’t know if it diffrs for orchestral ensembles, but I know several River Campus students who are part of Eastman’s choral groups.</p>

<p>I think it would be very difficult to join an Eastman Ensemble, but the talent level of the Ensembles on the River Campus is quite impressive.</p>

<p>One of the distinct advantages of being a student at Rochester is that you have access to the Eastman School… Students are allowed to take lessons at Eastman, for credit, at no additional cost. That means the aspiring doctor who has played the violin for eight years doesn’t have to give it up when entering college. I think a lot of students are attracted to Rochester for that reason, not to mention the general flexibility of the curriculum.</p>

<p>And, as mentioned above, Rochester is a very musically talented, musically driven community, in part b/c of the Eastman connection, but not exclusively so.</p>