Rio's Marching Band playing at football game

Band and Grande Chorale

Band 

Band uniform

Make Music Your Campus Experience at Rio

You don't have to major in music to keep performing! Rio's Instrumental Music Program is open to all students regardless of academic major. Whether you're studying Nursing, Business, Education, or Trades, there is a place for you to perform, connect, and earn scholarship support.

Our Core Ensembles

  • Marching Band: The visual and musical heart of campus game days, bringing high energy, field shows, and spirit to RedStorm events.
  • Pep Band: The courtside soundtrack for Rio basketball—bringing maximum energy, modern charts, and fan enthusiasm to home games.
  • Symphonic Concert Band: An artistic outlet focusing on classic and contemporary wind literature in a collaborative, supportive environment. This band is also open to community members, high school students, and anyone wanting a traditional sit-down band experience.
  • Flexible Small Ensembles & Jazz: Depending on student interest and instrumentation, we actively encourage and form jazz combos, brass/woodwind quintets, percussion ensembles, and flexible chamber groups.

Open Positions

  • Woodwinds & Brass
  • Percussion (Battery & Front Ensemble)
  • Visual Performing Arts (Color Guard & Dance)

Why Join Rio Bands?

  • Talent Scholarships: Available for qualified participants across all academic majors.
  • Built-in Community: Make lifelong friends and find your campus family before classes even start.
  • Student-Driven Opportunities: Have an interest in jazz, pop, or specialized chamber music? We work with our musicians to form student-centered small groups based on interest!
  • Balanced Schedule: Structured to fit seamlessly into a busy college academic workload.

Ready to join the RedStorm sound?

Reach out to Ryan Donini, Director of Bands, at rdonini@rio.edu to reserve your spot, express interest in specific ensembles, or ask any questions!

Grande Chorale

The Grande Chorale is a 12-16 voice vocal jazz/chamber choir with instrumental accompaniment. All interested students are encouraged to audition the first week of the fall semester. Grande Chorale performs at many university events and for civic and social organizations, schools. Hospitals, Senior citizen centers, and churches. They also tour extensively throughout Ohio and the tri-state area. Grande Chorale has performed in St. Louis, Nashville, Chicago, New York, Boston, and in the countries of England, Scotland, Wales, and Mexico. The ensemble is open to all students regardless of major. If they choose to, students may take Grande Chorale for one (1) hour of academic credit per semester. 

Advisor: Elizabeth Fowble