RIT has a variety of instrumental and vocal-based performance groups on campus, but what about the clubs meant for students more interested in listening and appreciating the artistry of music?
What do These Clubs Mean to Students?
For the Record refers to itself as “A music club for RIT students, by RIT students”. It began in 2018, initially as a club meant for hip hop appreciation but has since expanded to include other genres. An average meeting typically has around 30 members in attendance.
Jon Mishic, president of For the Record, mentioned how proud he was of the group that has developed in recent years.
“The passion that club members bring to meetings makes me feel excited and motivated to come up with the weekly club activities,” he remarked.
Ashley Picado-Perez, secretary of For the Record, explained what the club means to her. Recently, she had the opportunity to host her own For the Record meeting: an album release listening party for one of her favorite bands, HUNNY.
“It’s fun to hang out with people who are as crazy into music as I am! I get to share what I love,” she exclaimed. “Sharing my love of music with people is my #1.”
Black Artists and Records Society (BARS) is a club for musicians on campus who produce hip-hop and rap music, formed in 2024. Joshua Michaels, founder and president of BARS, expressed satisfaction in growing and developing a tight-knit community of 150 members. In the beginning, he struggled with building the club from the ground up and forming connections in the Rochester area.
“Prior to the club, there was no real source or pathway for musicians on campus who make hip hop or rap. I’ve found talented producers on campus, just cooking up music in dorms,” he said.
WITR is a student-run radio station that streams music live on FM radio, as well as online. The club has around 70 members, who focus their efforts on a variety of different areas including: music, sports reporting and talk shows.
Ar Kuchimanchi, programming director for WITR, explained how joining the club was a stepping stone in helping him talk to more people.
“I feel comfortable here; it’s a really laid-back and chill environment. It was daunting at first, but there are lots of great people here I wouldn’t have met if not for this club,” Kuchimanchi said.
Exposure to New Music
Swapping music tastes with other students allows members of these clubs to be exposed to a large variety of new genres or local music in the Rochester area; new club members can bring a variety of different tastes and music-related experiences.
For example, For the Record members enjoy playing rounds of AUX battles – allowing students to show off their unique underground favorites. Also, Mishic mentioned that the group occasionally hosts meetups at local music events in the Rochester area.
Kuchimanchi included that he has become a fan of many RIT student bands thanks to exposure through WITR’s Studio C, which allows students to record their music for free by simply filling out an online application. Additionally, club members can borrow music such as CDs and vinyl from the expansive library collection (the second largest music collection in New York State).
Michaels mentioned that many club members have given him new music recommendations. He also enjoys listening to what club members are producing in his spare time. Furthermore, the club provides opportunities like taking field trips to recording studios in downtown Rochester and hosting concerts that blend RIT student artists and local musicians.
Regardless of what genre of music students enjoy, there is a welcoming community for everyone.
Each of the clubs has Discord servers and Campus Groups pages where students can learn more. Additionally, these organizations can be found on Instagram at @ritbars, @witr897 and @fortherecordrit.
