Santa Clara University

Performing Ensembles

Note: All Ensembles are open to non-majors and may be repeated for credit.  Students should enroll with appropriate lower or upper division course number, depending on status.

Membership: Membership in all ensembles is open to all Santa Clara students who meet the standards of musicianship established by the director.

Auditions: Auditions for ensembles are held during the first week of each quarter.

Rehearsals: Rehearsal times vary among the ensembles, from two to four hours per week. Contact the Music Office or the individual ensemble directors for specific schedules.

40/140. University Orchestra

Preparation and concert performance of major works of orchestral literature.  Performing Arts Grants are available to qualified students.   By audition only.  (2 units)

42/142.  Concert Choir

A 52-60 voice mixed ensemble of select singers that performs a wide variety of a cappella and accompanied secular and sacred choral music from every period in music history through the present day.  Emphasis is on a comprehensive survey of choral literature through performance, as well as development of choral tone, blend, diction, and sight singing skills.  By audition only.  (2 units)

43/143.  Chamber Singers

An 18-24 voice mixed ensemble of highly select advanced singers.  Repertoire includes a variety of sophisticated chamber choral music from the Renaissance to the present day.  Concurrent membership in Concert Choir required.  By audition only.  (2 units)

44/144.  Preparatory Chorus

Course designed as introductory/fundamentals course for students with no previous choral singing experience.  Focus on four areas: basic music theory (including terminology, notational and choral score reading), sight-singing, vocal production, and vocal/choral diction.  Open to all students.  (1 unit)

45/145.  Jazz Ensemble

Preparation and performance of literature for stage and jazz ensembles.  By audition only.  (1 unit)

46/146.  Jazz Combo Workshop

Focus on jazz improvisation, techniques and theory in small group performance.  By audition only.  (0.5 units)

47/147.  Guitar Ensemble

Preparation and performance of ensemble literature for classical guitar.  Open to selected students with instructor permission.  (1 unit)

48/148.  Chamber Music Ensemble

Preparation and performance of instrumental chamber music.  Students are encouraged to form their own small ensembles (strings, winds, brass, etc.).  Appropriate faculty will approve/oversee group activities.  (1 unit)

49/149.  Accompanying

Supervised accompanying of student lessons and recitals.  By permission of instructor only.  (1 unit)

50/150. Opera Theatre 

Instruction in operatic technique and literature; performance, score-reading, ensemble, etc. in preparation of a major performance.    By audition only.  (3 units)

51/151.  Opera Studio

Study and preparation of the course work for Opera Theatre in a workshop setting.  By audition only.  (1 unit)