Student Ensembles

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Auditions

You do not need to be a Music Major to participate in the CRC Large Performing Ensembles. Some ensembles may require an audition to determine your placement or position within the class. Please contact the ensemble director if you have questions about the class or audition requirements.

Repeatability

Many students enjoy participating in CRC Large Performing Ensembles each semester. However, these classes can only be repeated four times.

In some cases, there are additional and concurrently offered sections that may facilitate continued student participation.

Example: After enrolling in MUP 320 Jazz Band for four semesters, a student may enroll in MUP 321 Advanced Jazz Band for an additional four semesters.
Example: After enrolling in MUP 330 Concert Band for four semesters, a student may enroll in MUP 331 Advanced Concert Band or MUP 310 Orchestra for an additional four semesters.

Volunteers

While enrollment is required to participate in CRC Large Performing Ensembles, students may volunteer to participate in any ensemble after taking the maximum number of repeatable sections of that ensemble and it's additional and concurrently offered sections.

Example: A student may volunteer to sing in MUP 353 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 the appropriate ensemble director:

Instrumental Ensembles Professor: Maxwell Kiesner - kiesnem@crc.losrios.edu
Vocal Ensembles Professor: Omari Tau - tauo@crc.losrios.edu

orchestra

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