About the Band
Conducting the first RUAWS concert
Photo courtesy of Peter Del VecchioThe Rutgers University Alumni Wind Symphony was
“created to afford alumni of the Rutgers Band Program the opportunity to continue performing wind music they love far beyond their college years. These photos are from the first concert in December of 1983, held at the Rutgers Student Center Multipurpose Room. I served as conductor for the Wind Symphony’s first two seasons, from Fall of 1983 through Spring of 1985.
The group was the first of its kind and continues today: the RUAWS is one of only two university alumni concert bands in the nation that is a bonafide, ongoing ensemble, the other being at the University of Michigan (founded in 2009). The RUAWS rehearses twice monthly, exactly as was designed at the inception; they perform two times per year, with a smaller contingent that performs an additional summer concert.”
— Peter Del Vecchio —
Founding Conductor of the Rutgers University Alumni Wind Symphony
Facebook, December 2019
With support from the Rutgers University Bands Alumni Association (RUBAA), the ensemble is now in its 38th year. Originally composed of Rutgers graduates, the ensemble has also acquired musicians from local area communities.
Our ensemble consists of woodwinds including flutes and piccolos, single- and double-reeds, a variety of brass instruments, and percussion. On occasion, there may be opportunities for members to flex their conducting muscles by volunteering to rehearse and conduct pieces of their choice.
We rehearse September – December and January – May performing a concert after each semester of rehearsals. These concerts are performed at the Nicholas Music Center on the Rutgers University Douglass Campus.
We also hold an outdoor performance at the Mary Sheridan Park in Lambertville, NJ the first Saturday in June. Following the concert, band members enjoy a delicious potluck picnic to celebrate the end of another performance season.
The need for specific instruments varies by concert, but we are always interested in new members. If you are interested in joining our ensemble, please contact us.
The RUAWS first performance
Photo courtesy of Peter Del Vecchio
Conducting the first RUAWS concert
Photo courtesy of Peter Del Vecchio
The RUAWS first performance
Photo courtesy of Peter Del Vecchio