<p>I know that Rice has an excellent school of music, but what are the options for non-music majors? I have no interest in music as a major or career, but I want to be able to play in an orchestra or wind ensemble just for fun. Is this possible at Rice? Do they have any less competitive ensembles for non-majors?</p>
<p>In the course catalog, the “Undergraduate Orchestra” class doesn’t say that you have to be a music major, so I’m assuming that as with the Rice Chorale, it accepts non-music majors. You might want to get in touch with someone at The Shepherd School to find out for sure, and to find out what other opportunities there are.</p>
<p>Ok so as a current Rice student, I can give you a bit of info.</p>
<p>You can definitely play in the undergrad orchestra, which is run through the Sheperd School, just for fun. I know a couple of people who do that. There are usually weekly rehearsals, and all in all it seems to be pretty legit.</p>
<p>You can also take private lessons from music professors if you want. I’ve never talked to anyone who’s done that, but I’m pretty sure it’s still an option. Also, as far as chamber wind ensembles, I don’t know if there’s any structured way of playing in one, but I’m sure it’s possible, especially if you were in the undergrad orchestra and met other wind players.</p>
<p>Ok those two are through the music school. You can also join the Mob (Rice’s band), which has a large wind section, and is mostly just people having fun supporting Rice athletics. Finally, there are occasionally musicals put on by different colleges, requiring student musicians to play ensemble parts.</p>
<p>Hope that helps!!</p>
<p>Music lessons at Shepherd are going to be given by graduate students, not professors. They can still be a good experience, though. There’s also an active jazz band on campus, if I’m not mistaken.</p>
<p>Looking at a catalog from 2008 (maybe?) I saw classes like Clarinet/Flute/etc. for non-majors specifically.</p>
<p>Just a clarification, the class “Undergraduate Orchestra” is actually for Shepherd students only (seeing as I don’t know of any non-majors in it). There is a non-major orchestra called the “Campanile Orchestra”, and it should also be in the course catalog. We also have a symphonic band.</p>
<p>There is usually a musical or two on campus each semester. Playing in the orchestra for those is the choice of some musically inclined people. Just another option</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help everyone!</p>