Music Ensembles
MUSIC 110: Concert Choir/Grande Prairie Singers
PSC has partnered with the acclaimed Grande Prairie Singers community chorus in a unique collaboration to provide singers the opportunity to perform challenging music with other dedicated singers under world-class direction. The chorus performs three major concerts a year of great literature from the classical tradition as well as some lighter songs at special events in the community. In addition, the group occasionally tours internationally!
Experience reading choral music is strongly recommended. Audition required. Rehearsals are on Tuesday from 7-9:30 p.m. and are held at Temple B'nai Yehuda Beth Shalom in Homewood. For additional information and to set up an audition time, please contact the Grande Prairie Choral Arts office at (708)481-8684. Directed by Jo Rodenberg.
MUSIC 120: Wind Ensemble / GSMUS 001-PS: Wind Ensemble (non-credit)
This ensemble is open to students and community members who have had experience playing in a concert or symphonic band as well as those who are majoring in music. A wind ensemble differs from a concert band in that there generally is one person per part instead of multiple people on each part. This offers a rewarding challenge for musicians! Significant and under-performed music from the concert band tradition is programmed each semester.
Rehearsals are on Monday nights from 6-8:40 at PSC in K Building, room 105. Audition for placement is required for new members. Directed by Phil Crews.
MUSIC 125: Latin Music Ensemble (1 hr credit)
This ensemble explores a variety of styles of Latin American Jazz music through the arranging and performance of masterpieces from both the commercial and conservatory repertoire. Students are introduced to the foundational rhythms and performance techniques of various percussion instruments. In addition to percussion, instrumentation can include horns, bass, guitar, and piano. Directed by Ruben Alvarez.
MUSIC 152: Jazz Ensemble / Ensemble GSMUS 050-PS: Jazz Ensemble (non-credit)
Jazz Pioneers Combo is a small ensemble dedicated to the development of improvisational skills. The group performs at special functions at the college as well as in the community. Its repertoire is drawn from a variety of jazz traditions as well as original compositions and arrangements by the members. No audition is required but an intermediate level of playing is expected. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7 -9:40 p.m., at PSC in K Building, Room 105. Directed by Eugene Vinyard.
The Extreme Big Band is an 18 piece ensemble of advanced musicians that meets in the summers. The group performs challenging music spanning a broad range of styles. Auditions are required. For more information or to set up an audition, please contact Valerie Nicholson at vnicholson@prairiestate.edu.
MUSIC 162: Vocal Jazz Ensemble / Jazz Ensemble GSMUS 010-PS:
Vocal Jazz Ensemble (non-credit)
The PSC Pulse is the college’s premier vocal jazz ensemble. The group performs contemporary popular songs ranging from jazz standards to Motown classics and beyond with a small jazz combo, often in a cabaret setting. No audition is required for the main group but students may be asked to audition for solos or select small ensembles.