Community Choir

Instructor: Dr. Andy Jensen (andrew.jensen@swic.edu)

A large choral ensemble that performs standard choral repertoire from various musical periods and styles. Membership is open to all singers 9th grade and over.

Community Choir meets Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm – 8:50pm. Admission to the ensemble is by an informal audition/evaluation, in which the singer must demonstrate an ability to match pitch and blend with an ensemble. New singers should contact Dr. Jensen to schedule an informal audition/evaluation.

Registration Options: For-Credit (MUS 161/162/261/262) or Zero-Credit/Community Ed (CSA 9000-001)

Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Instructor: Dr. Andy Jensen (andrew.jensen@swic.edu)

A select ensemble of 8-10 singers dedicated to the study and performance of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook. VJE performs multiple times per semester with a professional combo (piano, bass, and drums) and serves as the college’s primary touring ensemble. Membership is open to all SWIC students, regardless of major.

Vocal Jazz Ensemble meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00am – 12:30pm. Admission to the ensemble is by a formal audition process, in which the singer must demonstrate the ability to learn music independently, perform as a soloist, and improvise. Prospective students should contact Dr. Jensen to schedule an audition.

Registration Options: For-Credit (MUS 167/168/267/268)

Concert Band

Instructor: Ed Jacobs (ed.jacobs@swic.edu)

The SWIC Concert Band is a group of musicians dedicated to performing the highest quality concert band music at the highest possible level. The band performs several concerts per year and membership is open to anyone who plays a wind or percussion instrument. A short, informal audition is required.

Concert Band meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30pm-1:45pm. A short, informal audition is required. Prospective students should contact Ed Jacobs to schedule an audition.

Registration Options: For-Credit (MUS 159/160/259/260)

Jazz Band

Instructor: Dr. Tom Birkner (thomas.birkner@swic.edu)

Comprised of music majors, non-majors and community members, the band performs throughout the region with special emphasis on music of the big band era. The ensemble has collaborated with many notable guest artists over the years, including Jamey Aebersold, Vince DiMartino, Steve Houghton, Wycliffe Gordon, Terri Lyne Carrington, Rodney Whitaker, John Clayton, and Jeff Coffin.

Jazz Band meets Monday nights from 7:00pm–9:50pm. Membership is by audition only. Prospective students should contact Dr. Birkner to schedule an audition.

Registration Options: For-Credit (MUS 163/164/263/264) or Zero-Credit/Community Ed

Guitar Ensemble

Instructor: Travis Mattison (travis.mattison@swic.edu)

This ensemble provides guitar students with an opportunity to perform in a group setting with other guitarists. The wide array of musical styles and independent nature of each part provides a challenge for each member of the group.

Prospective students must demonstrate fundamental music reading skills. Prerequisites also include MUS 134 or MUS 234 or consent of the instructor.