Music Department
Instrumental Music
Orchestra
The Saddleback Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1974 and performs regularly in Saddleback’s intimate McKinney Theatre. The orchestra specializes in the exploration and performance of masterworks of the orchestral repertory. Past concerts have featured the music of American composers George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland. Other performances have explored 20th century compositions labeled “ENTARTETE MUSIK.” Outlawed and banned in Germany during the 3rd Reich, these gems of the repertory were given their West Coast Premiere by the Saddleback Symphony Orchestra. The most recent concert Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, in Concert, featured a fully staged concert version of this critically acclaimed Broadway masterpiece.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 prizes and trophies, the winners receive an invitation to perform as guest soloists with the Symphony in a special concert presentation.
Wind Ensemble
The Saddleback College Wind Ensemble was founded by the Department of Music in 1970. It is dedicated to the promotion and performance of quality symphonic wind ensemble literature. The ensemble is made up of college students, community members, professional musicians and select high school students. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 6-10 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building. New members are always welcome to the ensemble.
