Music Department Performing Groups
Music Department Performing Groups
Saddleback Big Band - Joey Sellers, Director
The Saddleback Big Band is a standard size big band that explores wide stylistic territory. From the great Swing Era music of Earl Fatha Hines, Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson through the exotic voyages of Sun Ra, the rich textures of Gil Evans to music penned moments prior to performance, this engaging ensemble always thrills. Most concerts feature a world premier combined with music of swinging historical importance. Guest artists have included Ron Stout, James Moody, Jerry Pinter, Tony Malaby, Mark Helias, and Roberta Piket among others.
Though the Big Band enjoys playing at its home in the beautiful McKinney Theatre at Saddleback College, they are also frequently the featured ensemble at jazz festivals and jazz venues throughout the Southland.
Jazz Lab Ensemble - Joey Sellers, Director
The Jazz Lab Ensemble is an improvisatory based group whose size is malleable. The ensemble ranges from 7 to 20 members, depending on instrumentation and the nature of the music featured in each concert. Previous performances have featured the music of Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker, and original compositions by band members.
Combos - Joey Sellers and other jazz faculty
The most important aspect of any jazz studies program is the combo program. This is where the true nature of jazz music is addressed. Style, improvising skills, interplay among members and composition are all addressed in a focused chamber music environment.
Chamber Players - Donald Ambroson, director
Concert Choir and Contemporary Vocal Ensemble - Scott Farthing, director
Symphony Orchestra - Carmen C. Dominguez, director
The Saddleback Symphony Orchestra, which operates under the auspices of the Division of Fine Arts & Communications at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, was founded in 1974. The Orchestra has increased its season from three to over 10 major concerts, performing regularly in Saddleback's intimate McKinney Theatre as well as venues throughout Orange County to the delight of more than 10,000 music lovers annually. For the past three years the Saddleback Symphony has taken center stage at the Orange County Performing Arts Center for the City of Mission Viejo's "Celebration of the Arts," accompanying a chorus of over 300 voices. The Symphony's summer series has included Lake Mission Viejo's Sunset Concerts, Aliso Viejo's annual Fourth of July celebration, and now the fabulous three-day "Taste of Orange County" event held at the Irvine Spectrum. In 1990, the Symphony was honored by its selection to perform for the grand opening celebration and dedication of the John Wayne Airport.
The Saddleback Symphony specializes in a POPS series, which features "An Evening of Lerner & Loewe," "The Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein," and "A George Gershwin Spectacular." Many of the Symphony's concerts have involved full chorus and guest artists. The Orchestra also has a wide repertoire of Broadway and Hollywood favorites, and has been in the forefront technologically, staging laser-light and multi-media concerts which combine music with film.
The Saddleback Symphony is also dedicated to nurturing the careers of talented young musicians. Each year, the Orchestra co-sponsors a concerto competition for instrumentalists and vocalists studying with members of the Music Teachers' Association of California or the American String Teachers' Association. In addition to cash prizes and trophies, the winners receive an invitation to perform as guest soloists with the Symphony in a special concert presentation.
Wind Ensemble - Carmen C. Dominguez, director
Questions or comments about the Fine Arts Division may be sent
to:
Nina Welch nwelch@saddleback.edu
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