Jeremiah Selvey, Conductor
The Chamber Choir (Music 59) is SMC's smaller, select choir (usually between 16 and 24 singers). The group performs a variety of musical styles. As a consequence, the musicianship is important. Auditions for Chamber Choir are held each semester. Singing with this ensemble is a good way to improve musical skills, as well as to refine the skills of ensemble singing. Audition for the ensemble consists of participating in the "first" rehearsal and then preparing individually an assigned piece of program repertoire for "second" rehearsal. We perform several times at the end of each semester, both on campus and off campus; pre-announced time beyond the "normal" class hours may, therefore, be required.
Jeremiah Selvey, Conductor
The Concert Chorale (Music 55) is open to students and members of the community who have the ability to sing their vocal part in an ensemble, as demonstrated by audition. The repertoire is chosen from the great classic oratorio literature from the 18th through the 20th centuries and may include a cappella as well as accompanied works. Concerts are given at the end of each semester at the Broad Stage.
Keith Fiddmont, Director
This course is designed to help listeners increase their appreciation and enjoyment of jazz. It covers an in-depth study of the development of jazz.
Jazz concerts by some of Los Angeles' best jazz musicians are given on campus for our students in conjunction with the course.
Andreas Preponis, Director
The Jazz Vocal Ensemble (Music 53) is open to all students, subject to audition. Selected vocal students function as a musical ensemble. They prepare and perform vocal music in the jazz and popular idiom.
Gary Gray and Bart McHenry, Directors
Theories, techniques, and practices of musical theatre performance are studied with laboratory instruction leading to public performances. The class concentrates on preparing and performing scenes, culminating in a public performance.
SMC Opera Theatre (SMCOT) is committed to offering opportunities for students, young and old, from many backgrounds and walks of life to learn and perform opera. Our singers range from beginning undergraduates to emerging professionals to experienced community members seeking opportunities to perform a role.
Fall Opera Workshop: Scenes and Arias
Music 40: Opera Workshop is tailored to our participating singers. This is an opportunity to learn arias or scenes, with musical and dramatic coaching, and perform on the Broad Stage. (2 units)
Spring Full Production (TBA)
SMCOT will once again collaborate with the SMC Symphony Orchestra for a full production at the Broad Stage in May. (5 units)
Please contact DeStefano_Janelle@smc.edu for more information.
For future announcements, please join the SMC Opera (Official) Facebook group!
Piano ensemble class (Mus 64) is designed for students interested in performing standard literature by master composers for duo piano (2 players/2 pianos), piano duet (2 players/2piano), and piano quartet (4 players/2 pianos). It will cover music written for this medium from the 18th century to the present. There may be an opportunity for a public performance. Students should have the ability to sight read.
The SMC Symphony
The SMC Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1985 by Lida Oliver Beasley, provides students and community musicians a robust opportunity to learn and perform a wide range of symphonic, choral, oratorio, and operatic music. The SMC Symphony Orchestra comprises a variety of instrumentalists, including high school, college, freelance professional, and amateur community musicians, who enjoy exploring symphonic literature such as major orchestral works, contemporary literature, and works by living composers.
The SMC Symphony Orchestra provides student performance opportunities, offers masterclasses with leading musicians in the industry, and audition preparation for transfer.
Our concerts are held at the beautiful Broad Stage at the Performing Arts Center at Santa Monica College. We strive to increase access to music education for all, strengthen symbiotic relationships with local schools, and provide engaging opportunities for community participants and audiences.
Students in the Symphony should enroll in Music 74. Community members are welcome to sign up through Community Education for a nominal fee. For more information, please contact Mercedes Juan.
Kevin McKeown, Conductor
The Santa Monica College Wind Ensemble is a community-oriented organization. The group includes SMC students, some advanced placement high school students, and many adult musicians from the community, under the direction of conductor Kevin McKeown. The Wind Ensemble performs two concerts each semester in the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. on the Broad Stage.
The ensemble performs music written for woodwind, brass and percussion instruments; with programs balanced with both traditional and newly composed music.
If you are interested in playing in the SMC Wind Ensemble or wish to obtain information on upcoming concerts, please call the Santa Monica College Music Office, at 310-434-4323.