Rhythm of the Night
Saturday evening moved to a new rhythm at the Ingle Auditorium as a wide array of RIT musical groups showed off their hard work and talent during the eighteenth annual Kaleidoscope concert organized by RIT’s Student Music Association (RITSMA). The concert featured a cappella groups, choirs, a concert band, and a jazz and gospel ensemble. The occasion brought together many familiar faces and was a nervous first appearance for new members.
The first concert of the season for many of the groups, there was a great sense of eager anticipation as both parents and alumni sat supportively in the audience. The groups have been putting many long hours and hard work into preparing for tonight’s performance. For Steve Haber of the a cappella group, Eight Beat Measure, this means practicing four times a week on ten new songs, two of which were sung tonight including “Lullaby” by Josh Groban, “Which we are dedicating to the memory of long time 8 beat and RIT supporter Al Davis,” said Haber.
Eight Beat Measure is celebrating their twentieth anniversary this year at their spring concert "Chill Beats.” They are the original a cappella group at RIT. “We are very excited to celebrate this milestone,” said Haber.
Typically, local alumni return for this great event to support the musical groups. Professor Jonathan Kruger, director of The RIT Jazz Ensemble, was expecting alumni Dave Burlone and Rob Rheinfierd to attend tonight’s performance.
The groups that preformed tonight will be having their own concerts throughout the year. The Kaleidoscope concert is a great opportunity to see what the campus has to offer. Alex Karantza, Music Director of Surround Sound said, “If you see a group you like, ask a member or visit their Web site and see what other shows they're putting on. Help support RIT's music program.” Groups are looking for more involvement from the student body and it is easy to get involved. Just check out the Music Department's Web page for details on concerts and how to get into a group.
The Kaleidoscope concert was organized by RITSMA, which was created to support and handle the promotion of music on campus. Their services have brought about events such as Battle of the Bands, Open Mic Nights and concerts such as Kaleidoscope. RITSMA severs to support independent musicians at RIT and in the Greater Rochester Area.
The eight featured groups included: RIT Jazz Ensemble, directed by Professor Jonathan Kruger; the RIT Gospel Ensemble, directed by Wendell Lewis; Eight Beat Measure, directed by Brad Turnbull; RIT Singers, directed by Prof. Edward Schell III; Encore, directed by Sydney Lavoie; Brick City Singers, directed by Jeff Kincaid; and the RIT Concert Band, directed by Dean Davis.