Double Stop trio wins top honors and cash prize at RIT performing arts showcase

Rochester, New York – Rochester Institute of Technology’s annual Ovation: Performing Arts Showcase concluded Friday night with a thrilling display of talent, highlighted by the standout performance of Double Stop, a trio of student musicians who took home the $1,000 grand prize for best performance. The group, made up of two cellists and a drummer, captivated the audience with their original arrangement of Queen’s classic hit “Don’t Stop Me Now,” earning both applause and recognition from the panel of judges.

Double Stop is comprised of Brandon Faunce, a software engineering major from Fairfield, Conn.; Gavin Palmer, an electrical engineering major from Goffstown, N.H.; and drummer Charles DiGiovanni, a cybersecurity major from Centereach, N.Y. The three will split the cash prize equally, with Faunce and Palmer continuing their remarkable streak after also winning first place in the 2024 Ovation competition for their interpretation of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.”

Second place and a $500 prize went to a percussion trio featuring marimba players Kelsey Mulrooney, a cybersecurity major from Wilmington, Del.; Mia Ciarizio, a graphic design major from Forney, Texas; and drummer Jeffrey Gross, a mechanical engineering major from Olney, Md. Their performance of Nico & Vinz’s “Am I Wrong?” earned them recognition for both creativity and precision, standing out in a lineup of diverse acts.

This year’s showcase featured 12 student performances across dance, vocals, instrumental, and variety acts. Among the performers were students who have received RIT’s Performing Arts Scholarships, a program supporting over 2,000 students on campus, though scholarships were not required for participation. The annual event celebrates not only musical and dance talent but also the unique intersection of artistic performance and academic achievement.

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Ovation was established nearly a decade ago by then-RIT President Munson, who sought to attract students involved in the performing arts. He believed that these students bring creativity, innovative thinking, and collaboration skills to the campus—qualities highly valued by employers across all fields. Munson’s vision aimed to position RIT as a leading institution for performing arts opportunities for non-majors, demonstrating that artistry and STEM education can complement one another.

Bill Sanders, RIT’s 11th president, who took office last July, welcomed the audience and participants at the start of the showcase. “I’d like to congratulate every student who is performing here,” Sanders said. “Even before coming here, I knew RIT students had extraordinary performing arts talent. As you know, technology and the ability and desire to perform in the arts go hand in hand. But performing arts isn’t limited to any one group on campus. We have thousands of students on campus who seamlessly blend performance with their academic pursuits, often in STEM disciplines or American design.”

Emcee Thomas Warfield, a professor of practice who has taught dance at RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf for decades, introduced the audience to an eclectic mix of performances. The acts ranged from soulful singing and colorful Chinese lion dancing to classical piano, Japanese drumming, a cappella groups, hip-hop dance, and even a live piano-accompanied yo-yo demonstration. “The innovation never ends,” Warfield noted, highlighting the breadth and creativity of student performances.

While the judges deliberated, the crowd enjoyed a performance from last year’s Ovation winner, The Jive, whose jazz music kept the energy high and the audience engaged. In total, 84 students took the stage throughout the evening, each bringing a unique perspective and artistic expression to the showcase.

When the winners were announced, students assembled to receive applause and oversized checks. “It was such a hard decision,” Sanders said. “These students are all so talented. I loved seeing it. It just shows the kind of talent we have here at RIT. I really enjoyed it.”

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For Double Stop, the future is full of promise and ongoing performances. With Faunce set to graduate this spring, the trio is already looking ahead to new stages and opportunities. “That’s a good question,” Palmer said. “I guess it’s onward and upward. And we’ll definitely be in the Unlabeled Music Festival this spring.” Faunce added with a smile, “We just won’t stop.”

The Ovation showcase remains a vital part of RIT’s campus life, celebrating the fusion of artistic talent and academic dedication. From ambitious students experimenting with classical and contemporary music to inventive dance routines and unique performance art, the event demonstrates the dynamic creativity thriving at RIT. As the ninth annual showcase concluded, it was clear that students continue to push the boundaries of performance while balancing rigorous academic work, a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering both intellectual and artistic growth.

For the audience and participants alike, Ovation is more than a competition; it is a celebration of passion, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With groups like Double Stop leading the way, RIT’s performing arts community promises another year of innovation, energy, and unforgettable performances.