Make Your Own Kind of Music!
- by Carol White Llewellyn
Did you excell at clarinet or piano in high school, but it’s been eons since you’ve played it? Do you love music, but you’re not at a professional level, so you’re shy about joining a group? Maybe you recently took up an instrument and would like to play regularly to improve? Or possibly you sing in church choir but would like to expand on the repertoire to include more contemporary pieces.
Believe it or not, in greater Rochester, there’s a group for you! This region is full of opportunities for musicians of all types and skill levels.
In a recent episode of The Pink Change Purse with guests Mona Seghatoleslami from WXXI and Kristen Shiner McGuire from Nazareth University, we were talking about this exact topic, and they suggested making this list of community music-making opportunities and mentioned some groups of which I had not heard.
One of the great benefits of making music is that, no matter whether you sing or play an instrument, you’ll benefit! Participating in music can enhance both physical and mental well-being. It can help improve cognitive function, reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood, and even foster social connections. It can also promote physical activity and improve dexterity and coordination, so it’s a win-win for both you and the community!
Below are some of the many ways you, too, can “Make Your Own Kind of Music” in and around Greater Rochester. And even if you don’t care to play music, imagine the fun you can have sampling from the many performances by these groups!
If you decide to reach out and get involved, we suggest you contact the group to ensure that the date and time of rehearsal or location has not changed.
AKOMA - AKOMA is Rochester, New York’s African American Women’s Gospel Choir. The word AKOMA is a West African Akan name that means Patience, Endurance, Consistency, and Faithfulness.
Day/time of rehearsal: 2nd and 4th Monday, Time TBD
Location of rehearsal: First Church of God, 334 Clarissa Street, Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated*
Audition Not indicated
Performances Yes
Contact 585-944-3792; sheriehill@yahoo.com
Brighton Symphony Orchestra — A community orchestra based in Brighton, NY, performing symphonic works and contributing to the cultural life of the Rochester.
Day/time of rehearsal: Wednesdays, 7:30 pm
Location of rehearsal: Brighton Recreation, 220 Idlewood Road, Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated*
Audition “new string players are welcome to join without an audition. Limited opening for other instruments may be available,” according to website
Performances Yes
Contact (585)490-9351; Brightonsymphony@yahoo.com
Brockport Symphony Orchestra — A volunteer orchestra in Brockport, NY, that presents orchestral concerts featuring classical masterworks and engaging local musicians.
Day/time of rehearsal: Thursday, 7:30 pm
Location of rehearsal: Music Room, Cornerstone Academy, 60 Holley Street, Brockport, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated*
Audition Not indicated*
Performances Yes
Contact 585-402-8126; brockportco@yahoo.com
Chorus of the Genesee - A non-profit, educational organization devoted to preserving the original American art form of Barbershop Harmony.
Day/time of rehearsal: Tuesday, 7-9:30 pm
Location of rehearsal: Harmony House, 58 E. Main Street Webster, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated; Note that this group travels to competitions
Audition Not indicated*
Performances Yes
Contact (585) 259-3590; Dave_Bay@hotmail.com
The Clarinet Collection — A regional community clarinet ensemble offering collaborative performances and educational outreach for clarinetists of varied experience in the Rochester‑area community.
Day/time of rehearsal: Tuesday, 6:00 pm–7:30 pm
Location of rehearsal: John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 50 Ward Hill Rd, Henrietta, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated*
Audition Not indicated*
Performances Yes
Contact gseigel@frontiernet.net
Concentus Women's Chorus - A small ensemble is devoted to exploring the wide variety of classical music, ranging from medieval chant through contemporary compositions, written specifically for women’s voices.
Day/time of rehearsal: Sunday, 7:00 pm– 9:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: First Presbyterian Church 21 Church St, Pittsford, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated*
Audition Yes
Performances Yes
Contact concentus@concentus.org
Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra — A regional community orchestra serving the Finger Lakes area, performing orchestral literature from classical to contemporary works, engaging musicians and audiences in the Shortsville/Canandaigua area.
Day/time of rehearsal: Tuesday, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: Red Jacket Middle School, 1506 State Rte 21, Shortsville, NY 14548
Membership or other fee No
Audition No
Performances Yes
Contact 585-831-4149; president@flso.org
Finger Lakes Chorale — A community choir based in Canandaigua, performing soprano‑alto‑tenor‑bass choral repertoire from classical to contemporary works, often in concert with instrumental ensembles.
Day/time of rehearsal: Tuesday, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: Finger Lakes Community College, 3325 Marvin Sands Dr., Canandaigua, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated*
Audition Yes
Performances Yes
Contact 585-785-1410; Richard.Cook@flcc.edu
Flower City Pride Band — A volunteer community wind ensemble celebrating inclusion and diversity through performance; rehearsals and performances. Open to LGBTQ+ musicians and allies!
Day/time of rehearsal: Wednesday, 6:30 pm–8:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: Not indicated
Membership or other fee No
Audition No
Performances Yes
Contact (585) 420-8621; info@flowercitypride.com
Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus (GVOC) — GVOC, a community orchestra‑chorus organization in Fairport presents choral‑orchestral works, performing together in seasonal concerts. All Voice Types and Instruments Welcome!
Day/time of rehearsal: Chorus rehearsal – Tuesday 7:00-9:00 pm; Orchestra rehearsal – Thursday 7:00-9:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: Johanna Perrin Middle School, Fairport, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated
Audition Yes
Performances Yes
Contact (585) 210-2215; info@gvoc.org
Golden Link Singarounds - Singarounds are designed to give the feel of a group of friends playing music and raising their voices together around a campfire. It's informal and everyone gets a chance to participate if desired. Tuesdays from 7-9 pm.
Day/time of rehearsal Tuesday/ 7-9 pm
Location of rehearsal: Rochester Area Mennonite Fellowship Hall 111 Hillside Avenue, Rochester, NY.
Membership or other fee NO
Audition No
Performances No
Contact 585-857-9265
Grace Choir - an interdenominational, community-based Christian choir performing a variety of sacred music, focusing primarily on contemporary gospel styles including Southern Gospel, Black Gospel, and Contemporary Christian music.
Day/time of rehearsal: Monday, 7-9 pm OR Tuesday, 7-9 pm
Location of rehearsals: (Mon) Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY; (Tues) East Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 2 Park Place at the Corner of Rts. 5 & 20, Bloomfield, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated
Audition Not indicated
Performances Yes
Contact (585) 520-6949; lbeery@hotmail.com
The Greater Rochester Women’s Philharmonic - In their 34th year, coming together once a year to offer a professional level performance while raising funds for Willow Domestic Abuse Center. This group was founded in 1992 to provide the opportunity for high caliber community, professional and student musicians to meet and perform in a community setting.
Day/time of rehearsal: Three evening rehearsals and one performance within a two-week time frame, typically in April or May.
Location of rehearsal: Nazareth University School of Music will host GRWP in their 2026 performance. The Hochstein School has also been a frequent sponsor and host of rehearsals and performances.
Membership or other fee Musicians are invited each year by the Music Director and there is no fee involved. All musicians donate their time to the annual project.
Audition No
Performances Yes, one per year
Contact Nancy Strelau, Founder/Music Director, Nstrela1@naz.edu
The Greece Choral Society – Approximately 50 singers join together on Monday evenings with Dr. Rollo Fisher at the podium and Dr. Chiao-Wen Cheng as accompanist.
Day/time of rehearsal: Monday, 7:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: 75 Stutson Street Rochester NY
Membership or other fee $27-$502
Audition No
Performances YEes
Contact 850-320-5317; rollo.fisher@gmail.com
Greece Community Orchestra — A full community orchestra based out of Greece, NY, offering musicians of all levels the opportunity to perform orchestral repertoire in a collaborative ensemble setting.
Day/time of rehearsal: Monday, 7:15-9:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: 75 Stutson Street Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee $27-$502
Audition No
Performances Yes
Contact GCorchestra@yahoo.com
Greece Concert Band - Plays light classics, marches, pops, Broadway, and traditional band literature and is open to all percussion and wind players high school age through senior citizens.
Day/time of rehearsal: Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: Greece Arcadia Band Room 120 Island Cottage Road, Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee $27-$502
Audition No
Performances Yes
Contact Greececoncertband@gmail.com
Greece Jazz Band — A community jazz ensemble based in East Rochester, focused on big‑band and small‑group jazz styles and performing regularly at local venues and community events.
Day/time of rehearsal: Monday, 6:45 pm–8:30 pm
Location of rehearsal: First Baptist Church of East Rochester, 119 W Elm St, East Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated
Audition No
Performances Yes
Contact slinkny@frontiernet.net; (585) 747-7085
Honeoye Falls Community Concert Band — A community band serving Honeoye Falls and surrounding communities, performing seasonal concerts of light classics and band standards.
Day/time of rehearsal: Thursday, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: Honeoye Falls‑Lima High School Band Room, 83 East St, Honeoye Falls, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated
Audition No
Performances Yes
Contact pr@hfccb.org
Hornell Area Wind Ensemble — A community wind ensemble based in Hornell, NY, performing band literature and providing local musicians a collaborative musical group experience.
Day/time of rehearsal: Tuesday, 7:30 pm–9:15 pm
Location of rehearsal: Hornell Senior High School, 134 Seneca Street, Hornell, NY 14437
Membership or other fee Not indicated
Audition Not indicated
Performances Yes
Contact hornellareawindensemble@gmail.com
The Irondequoit Chorale — A community choir performing a wide range of styles—from spirituals and folk to Broadway and classical—bringing themed concerts and community engagement to Rochester.
Day/time of rehearsal: Tuesday, 7:15 pm–9:15 pm
Location of rehearsal: Irondequoit United Church of Christ, 644 Titus Avenue, Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated
Audition Not indicated
Performances Yes
Contact 585-266-5018; heidejmurray@gmail.com
Irondequoit Community Orchestra — A full community orchestra offering orchestral playing opportunities for musicians in Irondequoit and greater Rochester performing classical and pops literature.
Day/time of rehearsal: Wednesday, 7:30 pm–9:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: Dake Jr. High School Band Room, north entrance, 350 Cooper Rd., Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated
Audition Not indicated
Performances Yes
Contact information@irondequoitorchestra.org
Irondequoit Concert Band — A community concert band performing a repertoire including marches, pops, and seasonal selections in Irondequoit and Rochester.
Day/time of rehearsal: Tuesday, 7:30 pm–9:30 pm
Location of rehearsal: Dake Junior High School Band Room, north entrance, 350 Cooper Rd., Rochester, NY 14617
Membership or other fee Not indicated
Audition Not indicated
Performances Yes
Contact irondequoitband@gmail.com
Kodak Concert Band — A community concert band drawing members from among Kodak Retirees, Family and Friends in Rochester and surrounding areas; performing a wide repertoire of band classics, pops, marches, and contemporary works in concerts and seasonal events.
Day/time of rehearsal: Monday, 5:30 pm–7:30 pm
Location of rehearsal: Hope Hall School, 1612 Buffalo Rd, Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated*
Audition Not indicated*
Performances Yes
Contact dmero3@hotmail.com
Madrigalia — A distinguished 18‑24 member chamber choir celebrating over 45 seasons, Madrigalia performs compelling and diverse choral music from all eras and cultures. Led by Artistic Director Cary Ratcliff, it is known for artistic excellence, thematic programming, commissioning new works, recordings, broadcasts, and outreach that promote appreciation for choral singing across the Rochester region.
Day/time of rehearsal: Sunday, 6:00 pm–8:30 pm
Location of rehearsal: Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St, Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated*
Audition Yes
Performances Yes
Contact 585-230-2894; info@madrigaliaROC.org
Mount Hope World Singers - Seeks to build community and foster intercultural understanding through engaging, high-quality, respectful performance of music in original languages from around the globe.
Day/time of rehearsal: Sunday, 2:00 pm–4 pm
Location of rehearsal: Rehearsals are a hybrid combination of in-person at Community of the Savior 4 East Henrietta Road Rochester, NY and remotely via Zoom.
Membership or other fee Singers in the chorus contribute on a sliding scale with an average contribution of $150/year.
Audition Yes
Performances YES
Contact Contact Form
Musica Spei - An a cappella choral group that specializes in the sacred choral music of the middle ages and Renaissance.
Day/time of rehearsal: Mondays, 7:30-9:30 pm from September through June
Location of rehearsal: St. Anne Church 1600 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated
Audition Yes
Performances Yes
Contact Contact Form
New Horizons - The New Horizons program was designed for senior adults, however there is no minimum or maximum age. The Eastman-Rochester New Horizons program makes available lessons and group playing opportunities for beginners. More advanced players may play in one or more groups including the Symphonic Band, Big Band, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic and String Orchestras, a chorus, and several smaller ensembles (brass, clarinet, flute and saxophone).
Day/time of rehearsal: Depends on which group/level of involvement
Location of rehearsal: Most ensembles rehearse at the First Unitarian Church, 220 South Winton Road, Rochester, NY.
Membership or other fee $106 -$200 per semester. There is also financial assistance available if needed.
Audition NO, but registration required
Performances YES
Contact 585-274-1400
Penfield Symphony Orchestra — A volunteer orchestra that presents full‑orchestra repertoire for local audiences, including classical masterworks and pops selections, contributing to the cultural life of Penfield and nearby areas.
Day/time of rehearsal: Monday, 7:30 pm–10:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: Penfield High School, 25 High School Dr, Penfield, NY 14526
Membership or other fee Not indicated*
Audition Yes
Performances Yes
Contact 585-872-0774
Perinton Concert Band — A Fairport‑area community concert band performing band literature and bringing music to local parks, schools, and community events.
Day/time of rehearsal: Wednesday, 7:15 pm–9:15 pm
Location of rehearsal: Martha Brown Middle School 665 Ayrault Rd Fairport, NY
Membership or other fee Not indicated
Audition Not indicated
Performances Yes
Contact contact@perintonconcertband.org
The Robert Dean Chorale – A volunteer chorus performing a variety of marches, medleys, movie music, Broadway show tunes, video game music, holiday music, and other family-friendly selections.
Day/time of rehearsal: Sundays 2:00-4:15PM, September-early December and January-March
Location of rehearsal: Trinity Lutheran Church 191 Nichols Street Spencerport, NY
Membership or other fee $50 for fall and $50 for spring season
Audition Not indicated
Performances Yes
Contact Contact Form
Rochester Band for Veterans – Founded by the Eastman School of Music’s Dr. Roy Ernst, Rochester Band for Veterans is launching in Rochester with a concert band. No musical experience? No problem! Instructions offered for all levels. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make music and connect with fellow veterans.
To Be Launched Soon
Contact 585- 423-0650; royernst1@gmail.com
R
ochester Gay Men’s Chorus – For over 40 years, the RGMC has exemplified excellence in the choral arts by serving the Greater Rochester Community as well as all of Western New York.
Meeting day/time: Thursdays, 7:00-9:30 pm.
Location of rehearsal: Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 Fitzhugh St N, Rochester NY
Membership or other fee: Yes (financial assistance available based on need)
Audition Yes
Performance Yes
Contact 585- 423-0650; info@thergmc.org
Rochester Oratorio Society — A volunteer chorus and orchestra ensemble dedicated to performing large‑scale choral‑orchestral works such as oratorios, masses, and other sacred and secular masterworks for Rochester audiences.
Day/time of rehearsal: Monday, 7:00 pm–9:30 pm
Location of rehearsal: Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1040 East Ave, Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee Trial Membership $25; Full Membership $100
Audition Yes
Performances Yes
Contact 585-473-2234; info@rossings.org
Rochester Rhapsody — They are a vibrant, inclusive women's a cappella chorus that brings passion for musical excellence to all audiences. They perform a unique blend of 4-part a cappella harmony singing with a repertoire that includes a wide variety of popular songs.
Day/time of rehearsal: Monday, 7:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: 139 Winton Road S. @ corner of Hillside Avenue Rochester, NY (call to confirm location!)
Membership or other fee “A reasonable monthly contribution helps cover music, rehearsal space, and other expenses,” according to website
Audition Yes
Performances Yes
Contact 585-259-3094; info@rochesterrhapsody.com
Rochester Ukulele Support Group We learn tunes, new techniques and share info about the world of ukulele. Bring your ukulele or borrow one for the evening!
Meeting day/time: Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm
Location Bernunzio Uptown Music, 122 East Avenue Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee: No
Audition: No
Performances: No
Contact 585- 473-6140; info@bernunzio.com
Rochester Women's Community Chorus (RWCC) - A non-profit, non-auditioned chorus dedicated to using music as the vehicle for messages of peace, hope, understanding, and cooperation within the global community through music selected from various genres, cultures, and choral traditions.
Meeting day/time: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:45 pm
Location Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. Rochester, NY
Membership or other fee: Dues range from $50-90 on a sliding scale based on an individual's ability to pay
Audition: No
Performances: Yes
Contact therwcc@gmail.com
Victor Community Chorus - A community-funded chorus open to all area singers performing all styles of music, from classical to standards to jazz.
Meeting day/time: Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm pm (Sept. – June)
Location St John’s Lutheran Church 888 County Rd 9 Victor, NY 14564
Membership or other fee: Not indicated
Audition: Not indicated
Performances: Yes
Contact 585-200-6376; thf1@frontiernet.net
Victor Pops Community Band — A community band in Victor, NY, performing pops, patriotic, and light classical music suitable for all ages and occasions.
Day/time of rehearsal: Wednesday, 7:00 pm–8:30 pm
Location of rehearsal: Victor Early Childhood Center (VEC) Victor Central School Campus, 953 High St, Victor, NY
Membership or other fee: Not indicated
Audition: Not indicated
Performances: Yes
Contact through Facebook
Webster Village Band — A community wind ensemble performing band literature and entertaining local audiences throughout Webster and the greater Rochester area.
Day/time of rehearsal: Thursday, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
Location of rehearsal: Webster Wilink Middle School, 900 Publishers Pkwy, Webster, NY 14580
Membership or other fee: Not indicated
Audition: Not indicated
Performances: YES
Contact through Facebook