Our Story
Making Music
Never heard of Rock Infused Orchestra? Think string orchestra meets rock band. RIO was founded in 1999 by Andrew Hutchinson. Andy, an Oshkosh WI native has been playing the violin for years. His passion is driven through education of music. Andy studied music education at UW-Oshkosh and Lawrence University. He can be seen actively performing many genres of music with the Arlington String Quartet or rockin’ electric violin with Symphony on the Rocks with Vic Ferrari. Andy started RIO with just a couple of young violinists that were looking for something more than just the regular classical music they were learning in school. “Rock music is fun and challenging, the student musicians connect with it and really learn a lot about rhythm and playing with a group” Andy says. “RIO is a great outlet for school musicians to play and practice in the summer; it keeps their skills sharp! In the beginning, the group consisted of about 5 members who practiced in a small back room at a local music store and held a small concert at Riverside Park in Neenah. Since that time, the group has continued to grow. This year’s RIO includes over 150 members led by 15 professional musicians playing violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar and percussion. Rock Infused Orchestra welcomes musicians of all ages and all skill level. RIO is comprised of three ensembles to accommodate all levels of rockers. The ensembles practice every Thursday from mid June to mid August at Neenah High School to hone their skills with a team of passionate, professional musicians.
What is RIO?
Our Mission
Our Schedule
Our Mission
Have you ever wanted to play in a rock band?
Here is your chance..
Rock Infused Orchestra
forms every summer to work musically as a group to put on a final concert production.
Since 1999 this performance-based music camp stretches the limits of every musician—at every level.
Work on music that is recognizable by the masses while honing your
Have you ever wanted to play in a rock band?
Here is your chance..
Rock Infused Orchestra
forms every summer to work musically as a group to put on a final concert production.
Since 1999 this performance-based music camp stretches the limits of every musician—at every level.
Work on music that is recognizable by the masses while honing your individual technique and musical skill.
RIO is lead by a staff of professional musicians that are passionate about what they do. They will bring the best out of you and help you advance musically in a one-of-a-kind music camp experience.
Each musician will have the experience of large and small group rehearsals focusing on all aspects of music technique, articulation, dynamics, artistry, ensemble playing, choreography, and more.
The camp culminates with a final rockin’ performance on the big stage!
RIO is not a replacement for school music or private lessons.
Musicians of all ages and ability levels are welcome to join.
2020 Camp
Our Schedule
Our Mission
RIO offers 3 levels of orchestras:
RIO PreAMP'd
for musicians that have played 1 or more years
Violin, Viola, Cello or Bass
RIO AMP'd
3 or more years of experience
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar, Percussion/Drums
String musicians should be able to read music and play throughout the range of thier instruments and be at least in the beginning
RIO offers 3 levels of orchestras:
RIO PreAMP'd
for musicians that have played 1 or more years
Violin, Viola, Cello or Bass
RIO AMP'd
3 or more years of experience
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar, Percussion/Drums
String musicians should be able to read music and play throughout the range of thier instruments and be at least in the beginning stages of shifting.
Completed Grades 7-9
RIO EXTREME!
¨ All members will be selected to participate in this group by the staff.
¨ Teacher recommendation and/or audition required.
¨ Participants selected for this group will be informed by June 1,2020
¨ Designed for players with 5 or more years of experience.
¨ Must be comfortable shifting in ALL positions.
*Entrance into EXTREME! may require a short audition.
ALL MEMBERS WILL BE PLACED INTO AN APPROPRIATE GROUP AND SECTION. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY JUNE 7 .
Our Schedule
Our Schedule
Our Schedule
Rock Infused Orchestra
Rehearsals are held Thursdays throughout the summer at Neenah High School (Neenah WI).
Rehearsal Times
PreAMP'd 5:00-6:15
AMP'd 6:30-7:45
EXTREME! 6:30-8:30
Final Concert will be held the evening of Thursday August 5, 2021
CONCERT DETAILS WILL BE POSTED AS WE ARE ABLE TO PLAN.
ALL EVENTS WILL COMPLY WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND CDC RULES.
SAFETY IS OUR FIRST PRIORITY.