The University's orchestral program offers three performance formats for more advanced students, faculty, and skilled community musicians. These ensembles give a series of regular performances for student and off-campus audiences.

     The orchestra dates back to the 1930's. It consists of skilled student and community musicians and gives several major concerts of classical, romantic, and contemporary literature. Recent programs have included Beethoven's fifth, Dvorak's New World symphony, and works by student composers. Student instrumentalists must audition to perform with the orchestra on a regular basis. Through participation, students develop their ensemble techniques and learn to become leaders as performers, educators, and conductors.
 
 

     Student and faculty musicians perform music of the baroque, classical, and contemporary periods in recitals on and off campus. They participate in numerous special events and have the occasional priviledge of premiering new works by Rhode Island composers as well as students.
 
 

     Articulate and academically gifted string players audition annually for participation in this exclusive quartet where their membership comes with a substantial scholarship. The group performs a substantial recital each semester. Quartet members may teach in the Music Preparatory Program for pre-college and adult students, and perform as principal players in the URI Symphony Orchestra.