Student Ensembles

The Jazz Combos consist of a performing group experience for instrumentalists and singers in which high professional standards of small group performance are explained and achieved. Performances include music written especially for the group and music from works by Louis Armstrong, John Kirby, Duke Ellington, Art Blakey, Benny Goodman, Dave Brubeck, Jimmy Giuffre, Chick Corea, and Gerry Mulligan.

The Columbia College Jazz Ensemble (CCJE) is our premier big band. The Ensemble rehearses Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 5:00 pm.

The repertoire is drawn from classic transcriptions of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman and Jelly Roll Morton, plus faculty and student work. The CCJE performs at various functions and was invited to perform at the 2003 Vicenza Jazz Festival in Italy.

Students rehearse, discuss, and perform choral repertoire of various genres including classical masterworks, indigenous world music, and popular styles. The chorus performs a cappella as well as with piano, hand percussion and other assorted instrumental accompaniment.

Students receive instruction in healthy vocal technique and in listening critically for quality ensemble attributes: blend, balance, intonation and appropriate tone quality.

Also known as 3CVJE, the Vocal Jazz Ensemble is a select group consisting of twelve to 16 vocalists and a rhythm section; instrumentation is added as needed. The Ensemble performs a capella and accompanied repertoire in jazz and pop, with global music influences; all music is memorized, improvisation is encouraged. All members and prospective members of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble must audition for their parts each year during the first week of class.

Vocal Jazz Ensemble rehearses three times a week, with additional sectional meetings led by student leaders, and offers opportunities for singers and instrumentalists to be featured as soloists and in small groups.

The Vocal Jazz Ensemble performs with the Columbia College Jazz Ensemble for events such as Manifest and Commencement, and for special engagements such as performing for the President of Liberia and Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. The Ensemble begins its fall term with a three-day retreat to Camp Algonquin, and goes on to represent Columbia College Chicago on and off-campus throughout the year.

Groove Band is an eclectic Pop/ Rock ensemble for instrumentalists of almost all skill levels. Although the repertoire frequently changes with each semester and group, the Groove Band covers songs from Muddy Waters to Motown; Stevie Ray Vaughn to Sly and the Family Stone and Black Crows, among many others.

Each semester culminates in a performance in the Music Center Recital Hall.

(Intermediate/advanced - 4 drums/perc, bass, piano, guitar, 3-4 horns, 2 vocals)
Prepares students for the performance of the musical traditions of Cuba (Bembe, Rhumba, Mambo, Songo, etc), Brazil (Samba, Bossa Nova), and Puerto Rico (Bomba). The rhythms & performance techniques of various Latin percussion instruments will be taught along with "hands on" arranging projects.

New Music Ensemble is Columbia's free-form chamber orchestra. Primarily for instrumentalists, it is a performance class that focuses on the development, rehearsal and performance of classical, contemporary classical, and world music arrangements. Orchestral instruments always needed, but will accept guitar, vocal, keyboard, etc. Intermediate sight reading ability preferred.

This ensemble provides an opportunity for students to perform challenging music with their peers under the guidance of a faculty member, and presents a concert at the end of each semester. Expanding students' knowledge of various genres of music, the New Music Ensemble challenges students to read and learn music in unusual contexts, and to further improve their music literacy and ensemble performance skills.

This beginning/intermediate ensemble consists of a rhythm section, three guitars, three horns, and two to three vocalists. Students learn to play the Blues as an ensemble in a professional setting. The Blues Ensemble performs traditional, contemporary, and original composition. The course also examines the sociological and historical aspects of the Blues, and its current and future role in culture. The Blues Ensemble plans several performances and field trips during the semester, which last year included performing on the Front Porch Stage in Grant Park for Chicago's Blues Fest, and at Blues Heaven on Navy Pier (for which they were offered a return engagement).

An advanced performance ensemble drawing its repertoire from classic & contemporary R&B artists such as Earth Wind & Fire, James Brown, The Gap Band, Chaka Khan, Parliament and others, this course prepares students to perform with confidence and professionalism in a contemporary Rhythm & Blues context. Students learn how to front a band and interact with fellow band members to create an exciting live performance. Ensemble members research and present material to the rest of the group for inclusion in ensemble repertoire. Students learn the keys to playing tight R&B grooves while perfecting a live show to be performed at various venues on & off campus. Course includes the recording of a live demo in a professional studio environment.

For intermediate and advanced guitarists, course emphasizes ensemble playing for the electric jazz guitar. Through rehearsal of appropriate multiple-part arrangements and through the practice of comping and improvisation, the group prepares a series of performances. Students increase repertoire and develop musicianship skills.

Advanced students rehearse, discuss, and perform choral repertoire of various genres. SPECTRA performs a cappella, and with assorted instrumental accompaniment.

Course provides performing group experience for classical guitarists. Groups prepare classical compositions by Bach, Scarlatti, Albeniz, and others. Note reading and classical technique are applied. Class may be taken eight times for credit.

This is a contemporary ensemble for intermediate-to-advanced students. The Pop Orchestra specializes in music from the classic rock/contemporary era. The Ensemble utilizes the standard guitar, bass, drums rhythm, and also employs trumpet, alto and tenor sax, trombone, and three to four vocalists.

Advanced vocal students rehearse, analyze, and perform vocal ensemble repertoire of various genres, including classical masterworks, indigenous world music, and popular styles. Class projects include arranging a melody for class performance, observing a professional ensemble rehearsal and incorporating movement into a choral work.

Students augment their vocal technique through daily pedagogy. Emphasis is placed on quality ensemble attributes: blend, balance, intonation and appropriate tone quality.