There are currently four musical performance ensembles offered by the Department of Arts which allow students to study and practice ensemble repertoire and perform in concert-settings while receiving academic credit. These courses complement other course offerings in the Music Program, as well as students pursuing the B.S. in Music degree, a minor in Music or one of the music-focused pathways offered by the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS).

For Fall 2025, the ensembles being offered include:
 

• ARTS 2300   RPI Symphony Orchestra
  Monday/Thursday, 05:00 pm-06:50 pm 
  258 Hoosick Lower Level
  Professor Robert Whalen (whaler2@rpi.edu)
• ARTS 2310   RPI Choir
  Monday/Thursday, 07:00 pm-08:50 pm 
  258 Hoosick Lower Level
  Professor Robert Whalen (whaler2@rpi.edu)
• ARTS 2340   RPI Wind Symphony
  Wednesday/Friday, 05:00 pm-06:50 pm 
  258 Hoosick Lower Level
  Professor Robert Whalen (whaler2@rpi.edu)
• ARTS 2350   Chamber Music
  Section 1:   Wednesday, 01:00 pm-03:50 pm
  Section 2:   Tuesday, 04:00 pm-06:50 pm
  West Hall, 323
  Professor Chrysi Nanou (nanouc@rpi.edu)
   

Symphony Orchestra

The Symphony Orchestra brings together musicians from across the campus community to prepare and present programs which explore the connections between traditional symphonic repertoire, overlooked historical works, and contemporary compositions. In order to fully examine the social and aesthetic context of musical works, the orchestra also seeks to create opportunities for multimedia and technological collaboration. Performers on any traditional orchestral instrument are welcome to audition. In addition to its regular performances at the EMPAC Concert Hall, the orchestra also performs with the winner of the Rensselaer Concerto Competition and reads works by student composers.

Questions about the Symphony Orchestra should be directed to Professor Robert Whalen (whaler2@rpi.edu).

RPI Choir

The RPI Choir welcomes vocalists with diverse stylistic interests and varying levels of experience. In addition to regular yearly performances with the RPI Symphony Orchestra and/or Chamber Music Ensemble, the RPI Choir presents vocal music from across an extensive range of styles and historical periods. Group work on the technical aspects of vocal performance is complemented by in-depth exploration of a variety of approaches to musical and textual interpretation.

Questions about the RPI Choir should be directed to Professor Robert Whalen (whaler2@rpi.edu).

Wind Symphony

The Wind Symphony is a laboratory ensemble in which students encounter and perform music from diverse styles, genres, and historical periods written for symphonic winds and wind band. Students in the Wind Symphony will perform in concert at least once per semester, and may participate in special activities, events, projects, and collaborations with featured guest artists. Students who play wind, brass, and percussion instruments are invited to audition.

Questions about the Wind Symphony should be directed to Professor Robert Whalen (whaler2@rpi.edu).

Chamber Music

Chamber Music provides a space for small-group musical collaboration in diverse styles and combinations. Students can enroll as either pre-formed groups or individuals seeking to be placed with other like-minded musicians. In the past, student groups have performed repertoire as diverse as classical chamber music, newly arranged soul music, big band jazz charts, and contemporary compositions. If you have an idea for a small-group collaboration, please contact the instructor to propose it.

Questions about RPI Chamber Music should be directed to Professor Chrysi Nanou (nanouc@rpi.edu).