The Department of Music presents RUCKUS, the contemporary music ensemble in residence at UMBC. With a mission to champion new and innovative works, RUCKUS is dedicated to supporting innovative artists and early-career composers through commissions and collaboration. RUCKUS works directly with students working toward the Certificate in American Contemporary Music, often performing alongside these students and mentoring their creative work. Each year, the ensemble co-hosts the Livewire Festival, bringing guest artists and other ensembles from around the world to Baltimore for a weekend of cutting-edge contemporary music.

The ensemble’s program features: