Auditions
The CRC performing ensembles are open to all students at all levels of playing and singing. However, some ensembles may require an audition for placement. Audition information may be found in the course descriptions. Please contact the ensemble director(s) for more information about our ensembles and specific audition requirements.
Volunteers
While enrollment is required to participate in CRC music ensembles, students may volunteer to participate in any ensemble after taking the maximum number of repeatable sections of that ensemble.
For example, a student may volunteer to sing in Gospel Choir after they have enrolled in the course for four semesters.
To volunteer, simply complete the CRC Music Volunteer Form and email it to appropriate ensemble director:
- Instrumental Ensembles Professor: Maxwell Kiesner - kiesnem@crc.losrios.edu
- Vocal Ensembles Professor: Omari Tau - tauO@crc.losrios.edu
The CRC Orchestra is for both music majors and non-music majors with previous experience on any instrument type (strings, winds, brass, and percussion, including pianists, guitarists, and composers).
The focus of the CRC Orchestra is to showcase our students through public performance in multiple on and off-campus events, featuring a wide variety of music and original student work.
Auditions may be held at the beginning of each semester to place students within the ensemble. Please refer to the course catalog for rehearsal times.
For more information, contact:
Maxwell Kiesner
Professor of Instrumental Music
kiesnem@crc.losrios.edu
(916) 691-7460
The CRC Jazz Band is for both music majors and non-music majors with previous experience on any instrument and voice type (strings, winds, brass, and percussion, including vocalists, pianists, guitarists, and composers).
The focus of the CRC Jazz Band is to showcase our students through public performance in multiple on and off-campus events, featuring a wide variety of music within the Jazz tradition, and cultivating individual listening and improvisational skills.
Auditions may be held at the beginning of each semester to place students within the ensemble. Please refer to the course catalog for rehearsal times.
For more information, please contact:
Maxwell Kiesner
Professor of Instrumental Music
kiesnem@crc.losrios.edu
(916) 691-7460
The CRC Composer Ensemble has been serving the needs of students since 2009, providing weekly student instruction culminating in up to four public performances per semester. The CRC Composers Ensemble is the only ensemble in the California Community College District that presents public concerts comprised exclusively of student created works. The Ensemble assists students who are interested in composition and helps them to create a portfolio of individual compositions to use when transferring to four-year colleges and universities.
Our students write original music in a variety of styles - classical, pop, electronica, video game inspired, and even more boundary pushing avant-garde styles. Many of our CRC Composer Ensemble alumni have transferred to prestigious four-year institutions, with some currently writing music that shows up in major motion pictures and television shows.
CRC Composer Ensemble members have taken part in the Honors Composer Seminar at annual MACCC Conference (Music Association of California Community Colleges). Ensemble participants have also performed at assorted Cosumnes River College public and private events, including: Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees Benefit (featuring our District Chancellor and Senators representing the California State Assembly), Patrons Scholarship Luncheon, CRC Foundation performances, and other assorted school functions.Print articles profiling the CRC Composers Ensemble have appeared in CRC school newspaper The Connection and in the Elk Grove Citizen.
The Ensemble has collaborated with both the CRC Theatre as well as the Radio, Television and Film programs. The CRC Composers Ensemble has hosted performer residencies with the following acclaimed Guest Artist performers: Ann Moss (soprano), Omari Tau (baritone), and Heidi Moss (soprano). The CRC Composers Ensemble plays an active and important role in the cultural life of the greater South Sacramento community.
Kurt Erickson, Founder and Director
ericksk@crc.losrios.edu
The CRC Concert Band is for both music majors and non-music majors with previous experience on any instrument type (strings, winds, brass, and percussion, including pianists, guitarists, and composers).
The focus of the CRC Concert Band is to showcase our students through public performance in multiple on and off-campus events, featuring a wide variety of music and original student work.
Auditions may be held at the beginning of each semester to place students within the ensemble. Please refer to the course catalog for rehearsal times.
For more information, contact:
Maxwell Kiesner
Professor of Instrumental Music
kiesnem@crc.losrios.edu
(916) 691-7460
College Chorus is choral fun for everyone! It offers students a chance to explore classic and contemporary literature while learning the basics of sight-reading and vocal technique. This ensemble is open to all without audition.
For more information, contact:
Director of Vocal Music, Omari Tau
(916) 691-7234
tauO@crc.losrios.edu
Chamber Singers allows singers access to timeless soaring vocals throughout the ages, from the earliest choral traditions to the latest, including jazz and pop tunes. This auditioned ensemble extends singers’ ability to sight-read and explore serious vocal technique with some of the greatest compositions ever known.
For more information, contact:Director of Vocal Music, Omari Tau
(916) 691-7234
tauO@crc.losrios.edu
Contemporary Gospel Choir was founded by Sacramento, California gospel icon, Dr. Precious Bell Craft (1930-2011). Since its inception, the choir has continued to reach students and community members alike in the celebration of the history and diaspora of African-American sacred music.
For more information, contact:
Director of Vocal Music, Omari Tau
(916) 691-7234
tauO@crc.losrios.edu
