Music Ensembles are offered for degree credit and each can be repeated a maximum of four times with CNs having A-D listings. Students wishing to be in more than one ensemble per semester can do so. All ensembles meet in the C-100 Building in C-119 or C-116.
Ensembles: Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble & Choir (Jazz Big Band & World Music Ensemble currently not offered)
San Diego Mesa College Official Social Media:San Diego Mesa College Music Department YouTube Channel for all Music Dept. Ensembles
San Diego Mesa College Music Department Facebook
Guitar Ensemble, directed by Ian Bassett
The San Diego Mesa College Guitar Ensemble I-IV provides for the study and performance of selected guitar ensemble works. After an audition, each student is assigned to the ensemble. Students practice and perform in an intermediate-to-advanced guitar ensemble, focusing on developing their skills in reading music, as well as the technical and interpretative skills required in the performance of a wide variety of works from different historical eras. The course topics will be different with each repetition as the musical repertoire presented and performed differs each time the course is offered. Attendance at classes, rehearsals, and performances is required. 1 Unit, MUSI 257A-D. Contact: Ian Bassett
San Diego Mesa College Guitar Ensemble Facebook
Jazz Ensemble, directed by Louis Valenzuela
The San Diego Mesa College Jazz Ensemble I-IV is a study of small Jazz ensemble music at the beginning level. Students are seated in ensemble groups according to their technical ability in preparation for performance on a wide variety of instrumentation (trumpets, trombones, saxophones, guitar, bass, drumset, vibraphone, violin & vocalists). This course is designed for music majors and anyone interested in playing with a beginning level Jazz ensemble. 1 Unit, MUSI 264A-D. Contact: Louis Valenzuela
Jazz Ensemble YouTube Video Fall 2018
Choir, directed by Amy Mein
The San Diego Mesa College Choir is an intermediate choral ensemble that focuses on developing music-reading, aural, and vocal skills in the preparation and performance of a wide variety of choral works. Enrollment is by audition. Members are expected to have some previous choral and vocal experience. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required. 1 Unit, MUSI 259A-D. Contact: Amy Mein
San Diego Mesa College Choir YouTube Video
San Diego Mesa College Choir Facebook
Jazz Big Band, directed by Ian Tordella (currently not offered)
The San Diego Mesa College Jazz Big Band I-IV is a select group of instrumentalists devoted to the preparation and performance of the best contemporary jazz big band literature. Instruments needed for this ensemble: trumpets, trombones, saxophones, piano, guitar, bass, drumset, vibraphone/percussion, and vocalists. Designed to meet the needs of the student desiring to enter the field of professional Jazz big band work, but open to qualified students of any department of the college. The group gives public concerts and supplies music for college functions. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is an integral part of this course. Offered every semester. 1 Unit, MUSI 262A-D. Contact: Ian Tordella
World Music Ensemble, directed by Dr. N. Scott Robinson (currently not offered)
The San Diego Mesa College World Music Ensemble exposes students to a variety of world music traditions including those found in Uganda (East Africa), Ghana (West Africa), Zaïre (Central Africa), and Brazil (South America). Students will learn basic techniques on a variety of percussion instruments and learn to sing traditional vocal pieces. Repertoire covered involves learning through oral tradition and alternative notation. No prior experience needed and no audition required. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required. 1 Unit, MUSI 261A-D. Contact: Dr. N. Scott Robinson
World Music Ensemble YouTube Video 2014 Concert Sampler