OPUS | Orchestral Program for Urban Students
OPUS is dedicated to providing opportunities for Rochester City School students through music education. Activities range from open rehearsals and RPO musician coaching, to complimentary tickets to RPO concerts and opportunities to perform alongside the RPO.
SCHOOL CONCERTS
RPO School Concerts bring the power of live symphonic music directly to students in grades K-12. These thoughtfully designed programs connect to classroom learning while inspiring creativity and curiosity. Students experience the thrill of the full orchestra right in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.
open rehearsals
Open rehearsals offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the rehearsal process and a live orchestra experience at no cost. Rehearsals are normally held at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre to experience the RPO without the formality of a concert. Open rehearsals also allow opportunities to engage with the conductor, musicians, and guest artists in a more casual, relaxed setting.
MUSICIAN ENGAGEMENTS
The RPO always has a roster of internationally acclaimed artists in the events calendar. Conductors, musicians, and guest artists share their music, expertise, and experiences with the greater Rochester community through in-person performances and engagements throughout the season. These visits help eliminate the barrier of travel by bringing the experience directly to the community.
MUSIC EDUCATOR AWARDS
The Musicians of the RPO honor outstanding educators who ignite a love of music in their students with the Music Educator Awards, celebrating creativity, dedication, and leadership that make a lasting impact. By recognizing their achievements, we highlight the essential role of music education in our schools. Their work shapes not just musicians, but confident, expressive young people.
INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO
At the RPO's Instrument Petting Zoo, children can try out a variety of orchestral instruments. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable musicians, kids can try triangles, tambourines, maracas, and more! This playful, interactive experience helps young people discover what it feels like to make music themselves. It's a joyful early step into the world of music-making.
PRE-CONCERT PERFORMANCES
Pre-concert performance opportunities give local student and community ensembles the chance to shine in the lobby of Kodak Hall ahead of an RPO concert. These appearances allow emerging musicians to share their talents with an appreciative audience before the main event.
RPYO
The Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (RPYO) is a premier ensemble for talented young musicians across the region. Students perform challenging repertoire at the highest level. RPYO fosters musical excellence, leadership, and lifelong friendships. It's where the next generation of orchestral talent takes flight.
EDUCATOR RESOURCES
The RPO offers a variety of resources to support music educators in bringing orchestral music into the classroom. From lesson plans to multimedia materials, these tools connect concerts and curriculum in meaningful ways. Our goal is to make teaching about music both easy and inspiring. Together, we help students deepen their engagement with the arts.
