WSCC music ensembles rehearsals beginning

Rich Granger of Shelby plays a flugelhorn solo.

VICTORY TWP. — West Shore Community College is inviting area musicians, of all levels of ability, to participate in its performing music ensembles, which begin rehearsals in September.

The WSCC Percussion Ensemble will meet for the first time on Sept. 9, and will meet on Tuesday nights from 5:30 to 7 p.m., in the Arts and Sciences Center instrumental studio, room 331.

The ensemble consists of approximately 20 musicians. Prior percussion skills are not required, but music-reading skills are.

The WSCC Community Choir will continue its tradition of bringing the community outstanding choral performances under the direction of Becky Sopha.

“We are very fortunate to have such a talented director in Becky who brings years of experience and musical talent, which results in high level performances year after year,” says Ted Malt, Associate Professor of Music Studies.

There are no auditions for the choir and anyone with previous vocal experience is welcome.  The choir rehearses on Tuesday nights, at 7 p.m., in the vocal studio of the Arts and Sciences Center.

The first choir rehearsal is Tuesday, Sept. 10, and those interested in joining the Community Choir are asked to contact Becky Sopha atrosopha@westshore.edu or come to the first rehearsal held in the Arts and Sciences Center vocal studio, room 327.

The College’s high-energy a capella choir, the Collegiates, is holding an open audition on Sept. 5, from 4-5:30 p.m. in the vocal studio.

This young and energetic vocal group focuses on a cappella and popular choral music and rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday from 4-5:30 p.m.throughout a semester. Presence at both rehearsals each week is required.

The ensemble performs a minimum of two concerts per year, one per semester with the possibility of other community performances. The concerts feature soloists, duets, and the entire vocal ensemble.

Those interested in performing with this ensemble are asked to contact Emelander at 616-821-1964 or e-mail him at scott.emelander@gmail.com.

In the past year, the WSCC Wind Symphony has grown considerably and this year’s membership is expected to be around 90 members.  The group is comprised of WSCC students, community members, and high school students from nine area high schools.

The ensemble will be performing both traditional and contemporary works during a holiday concert scheduled for Dec. 18.  The first rehearsal will be held on September 11, and will meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:10 p.m., in room 331 of the Arts and Sciences Center. 

Due to the strong interest in the Wind Symphony, a new performing group, called the WSCC Chamber Winds, has emerged.

This group of selected musicians from the Wind Symphony membership will focus on traditional and contemporary small “wind band” literature and meets on Wednesdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Any musician interested in joining this group may audition in December for the winter semester. Both the Chamber Winds and the Wind Symphony will begin their fall rehearsal schedules on Wed., Sept. 11.

The WSCC Jazz Band will be off and running on Sept. 12, with complete instrumentation and a strong group of musicians. The group will practice on Thursday nights from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Any musicians may join this group and if there are enough musicians who are interested in performing traditional big band music, the group may divide into two ensembles.  This group will share the stage with the Percussion Ensemble in a concert on December 12.

The musical “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is part of the college’s Performing Arts Series and will take the stage in mid-October at the historic Ramsdell Theater in Manistee Production rehearsals begin in September. This will be Dr. Rick Plummer’s, director of the musical, and Malt’s second collaboration.

The college’s music department also offers coursework in piano, fundamentals of music theory, guitar, music technology and music appreciation.  These classes and the performing ensembles are offered as coursework for college credit or as enrichment and scholarships are available.

WSCC’s Leisure and Enrichment program will also be offering music classes in both early childhood piano and strings beginning the week of Sept. 9.  The 16-week classes will be held in the Arts and Sciences Center and enrollment is limited.

For more information on these new programs, contact Natalie Joynton, Director of the L & E program, at 843-5773.

For more information on any the music department offerings, contact Ted Malt at 843-5776 or email at tdmalt@westshore.edu.

Registration for fall semester classes must be completed by Sept. 4. Class and online course schedules can be viewed under the “Academics” tab on the college’s web site at www.westshore.edu.

A printed course schedule, curriculum guide, registration and financial aid information are available from the Student Services Office located in the Schoenherr Campus Center or by calling 843-5946.

WSCC Music Ensemble Rehearsal Start-Up Dates at a Glance

Sept. 5 – Collegiates Auditions, 4 -5:30 p.m., Arts and Sciences Center, Rm 327

Sept. 10 – Collegiates, 4-5:30 p.m., Arts and Sciences Center, Rm 327

Sept. 10 – Percussion Ensemble, 5:30 – 7 p.m., Arts and Sciences Center, Rm 331

Sept. 11 – Chamber Symphony, 5 p.m. and Wind Symphony, 6:30 p.m., Arts and Sciences Center, Rm 331

Sept. 12 – Jazz Ensemble, 5:30 -7 p.m., Arts and Sciences Center, Rm 331