Two new musical ensembles, the Randolph-Macon Wind Ensemble and the Randolph-Macon Symphony Orchestra, will perform their premiere concerts this October under the direction of Dr. Brian Coffill.

The new ensembles, featuring nearly 30 musicians each, are an evolution for RMC’s music program, which previously hosted one combined ensemble that featured both wind and traditional orchestra musicians. The separation will allow for student musicians to play with complementary instruments, producing a better and more streamlined performance.

“I am thrilled at the rapidly growing interest in all of Randolph-Macon’s musical ensembles, especially our new Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra,” Coffill said. “Rehearsals this fall have been tremendous, and there is a palpable energy in the room. I can’t wait to perform with these great student musicians in October.”

The Randolph-Macon Wind Ensemble includes woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments performing both classic and cutting-edge band literature from across the instrumental spectrum. Its premiere concert will be Sunday, Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. at Blackwell Auditorium inside the Center for the Performing Arts. The event, a side-by-side concert with the Patrick Henry High School Wind Ensemble, is free and open to the public.

The Randolph-Macon Symphony Orchestra features string instruments with select winds and percussion, performing orchestral literature that spans music history and pushes modern boundaries. Its premiere concert, which is also free and open to the public, will be a side-by-side concert with the VCU Health Orchestra & Wind Ensemble on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. inside Blackwell Auditorium.