Band, choir, orchestra…these groups are all pretty familiar ideas. For this installment in our guide to opportunities to get involved in community music in Rochester and the surrounding region, I have for you a list of other groups, which don’t fit into such neat categories. 
American Recorder Society – Rochester Chapter
- "We are a group of Rochester-area recorder players who meet on Tuesday nights twice a month from September to May. Together with several talented volunteer teachers, the group provides opportunities to participate in learning sessions, consorts, and several performances."
- The Finger Lakes Flute Circle is a gathering of people in Western New York interested in the Native American flute, to share talents and experiences through a supportive musical and educational exchange. A flute circle can be helpful on many levels, enriching those who are exploring or growing an interest in the Native American flute, nourishing beginner Native flute players searching for support, and empowering experienced players to reach higher levels of skill and enjoyment. The Native American flute is a wonderful instrument in its accessibility to beginners to quickly and readily make pleasant songs regardless of prior musical experience, and a powerful musical tool for musical and emotional expression and improvisation. Meetings are most third Thursdays of each month, and beginners are welcome and encouraged. We play Native American flutes, drums, and hand percussion, and play great music together. Beginner flutes are available to try out.
Hochstein Chamber Music Connection
- Hochstein’s Chamber Music Connection offers fun and challenging opportunities to play a unique and crucial role in a small group setting. Trios, quartets, and quintets are formed of players with compatible ages and abilities as permitted from the pool of applicants. Open to piano, strings, woodwinds, and brass.
- The Hopeman Memorial Carillon, a set of bells played from a keyboard and pedalboard, hangs in the tower of Rush Rhees Library. It is one of only seven carillons in New York State. At 50 bells, it is considered a large carillon; by comparison the world's largest carillon in Bloomfield, Michigan has 77 bells. Interested in playing the carillon? Community residents may now take lessons at Eastman Community Music School. ECMS offers their community of music students a carillon tour once each semester to see the carillon close up. Space limitations apply.
New Horizons (Eastman Community Music School)
The New Horizons Program began in 1991 at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY under the guidance of Roy Ernst, now Professor Emeritus from that school. Since that time, the idea has been adopted throughout the U. S. and in Canada, resulting in the forming of more than 200 organizations.
While New Horizons was designed in particular for senior adults, there is no minimum or maximum age or ability requirement. All are welcome, especially beginners. Members include those with little or no experience, those who have postponed participating in an ensemble due to career and family, and seasoned musicians. All agree that New Horizons is a community of music-makers flourishing in a non-competitive, collaborative, and supportive environment.
The Rochester (NY) program includes beginning, intermediate and advanced bands, a Big Band, beginning strings, full and string orchestras, a chorus, and several chamber ensembles.
The Rochester program is part of the New Horizons International Music Association (NHIMA), which offers benefits that include reduced rates at music camps for individual NHIMA members.
Rochester Ukulele Support Group
- The Rochester Ukulele Support Group (RUSG) meets on the first Thursday of every month, 7-8:30pm. We learn tunes, new techniques and share info about the world of ukulele. Bring your ukulele or borrow one for the evening! Join in the fun and experience the joy of the ukulele!! ALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOME.
As always, let me know if I have missed something!
