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Student Ensembles

For upcoming student ensemble concerts, please see our Concert Dates page.

Brass Ensemble 

Non-music majors and certificate students must schedule an audition with Dr. Keyser at keyserab@sunysccc.edu

The Brass Ensemble performs music in various size groups.  

Chamber Ensemble

Non-music majors and certificate students must schedule an audition with Mrs. Barker Schwartz at schwarab@sunysccc.edu.

This course provides the student with a medium for the performance of mixed instrument chamber music. Students are given the opportunity to perform works selected on the basis of artistic and historical significance as well as pedagogical importance with special emphasis on the development of independence in chamber music performance skills. With an emphasis on coached and independent rehearsals, the course provides positive chamber music performance experiences.  

The ensemble receives 15-weeks of coaching from Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz and performs in the Chamber Ensemble concert. Coaching occurs based on ensemble member availability; the ensemble members are expected to practice their part individually and find an additional time once a week to rehearse on their own.  

Chorus

Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00 p.m. This ensemble is open to everyone who wants to sing. Please contact, Dr. Han at hanj@sunysccc.edu with questions.

The Chorus performs the acknowledged masterworks of choral literature as well as new music and popular selections. The Chorus regularly performs music from throughout the world, including Asia, South America, Eastern Europe, and Africa in original languages. Membership is open to all students.

Guitar Ensemble

Mondays, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Non-music majors and certificate students must schedule an audition with Mr. Quigley at quigleypj@sunysccc.edu.

The Guitar Ensemble performs music for electric guitars in various size groups. Emphasis is on jazz styles, improvisation, and music reading.

Jazz Combo

Wednesdays, 3:00-3:50 p.m. or 4:00-4:50 p.m. Non-music majors and certificate students must schedule an audition with Mr. Patneaude at patneabr@sunysccc.edu.

Audition Requirements: Demonstrate your ability to improvise on a concert F or concert Bb blues progression. 

The Jazz Combo is a small group that performs bebop, cool, funk and other jazz styles. Emphasis is on solo improvisation and small group interaction.

Jazz Ensemble

Wednesdays, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Non-music majors and certificate students must schedule an audition with Mr. Canterbury at canterdb@sunysccc.edu.

Audition Requirements:

  • All instruments: Play a prepared solo of your choice. Jazz is preferred but classical is acceptable. You will be asked to sight read.
  • Saxophone: Doubling is not a requirement, but if you double on flute/clarinet please be prepared to demonstrate your level of ability.
  • Brass: You will be asked to demonstrate your range.
  • Bass: Demonstrate a walking bassline over a blues progression
  • Piano/Guitar: Demonstrate your ability to interpret chord changes from a big band chart.
  • Drums: Demonstrate your ability to play time and fills in a swing style as well as any other styles you are proficient in - Bossa nova, samba, rock, etc.

The Jazz Ensemble performs classic and contemporary scores for big band. The ensemble has performed on concert tours in Canada and Europe and at numerous jazz festivals.

Orchestra

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:15-8:35 p.m. at the University of Albany. Non-music majors and certificate students must schedule an audition with Professor Neubert at cneubert@albany.edu and notify Professor Hosmer at hosmerke@sunysccc.edu.

Orchestra music students perform in an orchestra off-campus for credit.

Percussion Ensemble

Mondays, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Non-music majors and certificate students must schedule an audition with Mr. Janack at janackaj@sunysccc.edu.

The Percussion Ensemble performs a wide variety of scores for mixed percussion, with an emphasis on keyboard and pitched percussion instruments.

Audition Requirements:

  1. A short etude or study on mallet percussion and/or snare drum. Students are welcome to play previously prepared studies, or the instructor can supply materials.
  2. Sight reading on Mallet Percussion and/or Snare Drum.

Vocal Chamber Ensemble

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00-4:15 p.m. Non-music majors and certificate students must schedule an audition with Dr. Han at hanj@sunysccc.edu.

Audition Requirements: Members should have basic music reading skill and be able to sing in tune.

The Vocal Chamber Ensemble is a small choral ensemble. It performs music ranging from the renaissance to contemporary works, jazz, and other styles.

Wind Ensemble

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Non-music majors and certificate students must schedule an audition with Dr. Keyser at keyserab@sunysccc.edu.

The Wind Ensemble performs classic literature for concert band as well as contemporary music for brass, woodwinds, and percussion.

Any additional questions can be directed to schoolofmusic@sunysccc.edu.