College music ensembles to begin rehearsing

VICTORY TWP. – West Shore Community College is inviting area musicians to participate in its performing music ensembles. The college offers a variety of music ensembles for all levels of ability.

The music department will be holding an orientation for all Chamber Winds and Wind Symphony members on Wed., Sept. 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Center Stage Theater located in the Arts and Sciences Center.  Members are not required to bring their instruments for the orientation unless they wish to audition for the Chamber Winds ensemble.

The first rehearsal will be held on Sept. 10, and the groups will meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:10 p.m., in Arts and Sciences Center, room 331. 

            The Wind Symphony and Chamber Winds have grown considerably and this year’s membership is expected to be around 100 members.  The group is comprised of students, community members, and high school students from 11 area high schools.    

The ensembles will be performing both traditional and contemporary works during a holiday concert scheduled for December 17. 

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 Associate Professor of Music Ted Malt.

The first choir rehearsal is Tues., Sept. 9, and the choir rehearses on Tuesday nights, at 7 p.m., in the vocal studio of the Arts and Sciences Center.

There are no auditions for the choir and anyone with previous vocal experience is welcome. Those interested in joining the Community Choir are asked to contact Becky Sopha at bsophachoirs@yahoo.com or come to the first rehearsal.

The WSCC Jazz Ensemble will be off and running on Sept. 11, with complete instrumentation and a strong group of musicians. The group will practice on Thursday nights from 5:30-7:15 p.m.

Musicians enrolled only in the jazz ensemble are not required to attend the Sept. 3 orientation. Musicians may join this group upon director appointment or audition.

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 community education program will also be offering music classes in early childhood piano. This 16-week class will be held in the Arts and Sciences piano lab and seating is limited.  For more information on these new programs, contact Natalie Grochowski, Director of the Business and Community Education program at 843-5773.

For more music department information, contact Malt at 843-5776 or visit the music department website at www.wsccmusic.weebly.com

Registration for WSCC’s fall semester, which begins Sept. 3, is underway. 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 Department Rehearsal Start Dates at a Glance

Sept. 3 – WSCC Bands Orientation, 6 p.m., Arts & Sciences Center, Center Stage Theater

Sept. 9 – Concert Choir, 7 – 9 p.m., Arts & Sciences Center, Room 327

Sept. 10 – Chamber Winds, 5 p.m.; Wind Symphony, 6:30 p.m., Arts & Sciences Center, Room 331

Sept. 11 – Jazz Ensemble, 5:30 -7:15 p.m., Arts & Sciences Center, Room 331