The Randolph-Macon College Music Program in the Department of Arts is pleased to announce the formation of the Randolph Macon Ensemble, a new musical organization dedicated to performing a broad spectrum of instrumental music.

Redefining the Musical Performance Experience
Student instrumentalists of all kinds are invited to join this flexible chamber orchestra, which will focus on music of wide-ranging styles, historical periods, and instrumentations. The ensemble’s performances will take place in a variety of both typical and unorthodox venues, on and off campus, and the group will seek to make partnerships with schools across the country. This new ensemble will be formed in fall 2018 and formally launched in spring 2019 and is funded in part by a major grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

“It is an extremely exciting opportunity for us to broaden our music program,” says Jim Doering, Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Arts, “because the new ensemble will attract and speak to musicians from both band and orchestra backgrounds but engage them in something new.”

Founding Director
The founding director of the Randolph-Macon Ensemble is a new addition to the RMC music faculty: Professor Brian A. Coffill, Director of Instrumental Ensembles and Assistant Professor of Music. In addition to conducting the RMC Ensemble, Coffill will also teach courses in conducting, music theory, and music education.

Prior to arriving at Randolph-Macon, Coffill was the assistant conductor of the Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble at the University of Maryland, where he earned his D.M.A. in conducting. In addition, he holds a M.M. in conducting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he served as associate conductor for the university’s many concert and athletic bands.

Prior to his graduate studies, Coffill held positions teaching both bands and orchestras in public schools in Virginia and Maryland. Originally from Connecticut, his undergraduate degrees include a B.A. in music as well as a B.S. in education, both from the University of Connecticut.

“I am delighted for the opportunity to collaborate with Randolph-Macon’s student musicians and create this groundbreaking ensemble,” says Coffill. “The RMC Ensemble will creatively re-define music for the twenty-first century, and every instrumental musician on campus should consider being a part of the experience. Students seeking additional information can fill in our online interest form. Come be a part of the future of music at Randolph-Macon!”

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Interest Form
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