Ensembles at Mt. SAC

Auditions

Most Mt. SAC ensembles require an audition, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't apply. Auditions serve different purposes depending on the ensemble. Some groups hold competitive auditions before the semester begins, while others use auditions primarily to assess experience levels, determine placement, and help students find the ensemble that best matches their background and goals.

Our goal is to help every interested student find a place to perform. Whether you are an experienced musician preparing for transfer or a student looking to continue making music while pursuing another major, we encourage you to reach out. If you are interested in joining an ensemble, contact the ensemble director or Dr. Karen Marston, Department Chair, for guidance on where you might fit best.

One important tip: plan your ensemble participation first. Ensemble schedules often determine the rest of your class schedule, and waiting too long to register for an ensemble is the most common reason students are unable to participate.

• • Choral Ensembles

    The Choral Program at Mt SAC

    Mt. SAC's vibrant choral program provides opportunities for singers of all experience levels to develop their musicianship, build community, and perform outstanding choral repertoire. Students may participate in our large treble and bass choirs, each serving as a training ensemble of approximately 40 singers, or audition for the premier Chamber Singers.

    The Mt. SAC Chamber Singers are nationally recognized for artistic excellence and have earned an international reputation through award-winning performances, conference appearances, and concert tours throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Under the direction of Dr. Matthew Lyon Hazzard, the ensemble performs a diverse repertoire spanning the Renaissance to the twenty-first century and serves as the flagship choir of the Music Department.

    Whether you are an experienced vocalist or looking to continue singing while pursuing another major, Mt. SAC offers a welcoming and supportive choral community where students can grow as musicians, perform at a high level, and create lasting connections through music.

    

  • Wind Ensemble and Chamber Music

    Wind Ensemble & Chamber Music

    Mt. SAC offers a vibrant instrumental music community where students can grow as musicians, make lifelong friends, and perform exciting and rewarding repertoire. Under the direction of Dr. Karen Marston, the Wind Ensemble is open to both music majors and non-majors and provides a welcoming environment where students are challenged to reach their musical potential while enjoying the camaraderie, travel opportunities, and unforgettable experiences that come from making music together.

    Students may also participate in chamber ensembles, including the Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. These smaller groups provide opportunities for closer collaboration, musical leadership, and specialized study while fostering the same spirit of community and artistic excellence. Whether your goal is to transfer as a music major or simply continue making music at a high level, Mt. SAC offers a place to learn, connect, perform, and have fun.

    

  • Instrumental Jazz

    Jazz Studies

    Mt. SAC Jazz offers opportunities for students of all experience levels to develop their musicianship, creativity, and performance skills in a collaborative and supportive environment. Under the direction of Dr. Walter Simonsen, students may participate in either the Jazz Ensemble or the Laboratory Band, depending on their experience and interests.

    The auditioned Jazz Ensemble is a traditional big band that performs both classic and contemporary jazz repertoire at an intermediate to advanced level. The Laboratory Band provides a welcoming entry point for developing musicians and explores a wide variety of styles, including jazz, rock, funk, and Latin music.

    Whether you are an aspiring music professional or simply looking to continue performing, Mt. SAC's jazz program offers engaging performance experiences, expert instruction, and a vibrant musical community.

    

  • String Ensemble

    String Ensemble

    Mt. SAC's String Ensemble provides violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists with the opportunity to perform outstanding orchestral and chamber orchestra repertoire in a collaborative and supportive environment. Under the direction of Irene Shiao, students develop their ensemble skills, musicianship, and artistic expression while working closely with fellow string players in pursuit of shared musical goals.

    Open to both music majors and non-majors, the String Ensemble offers a welcoming community where students can continue their musical growth, gain valuable performance experience, and enjoy the rewards of making music together

  • Athletic Bands

    Athletic Bands: Marching Band, Drumline, and Pep Band

    Mt. SAC's Athletic Bands bring together students who enjoy making music, supporting their fellow Mounties, and being part of a spirited campus community. Directed by Dr. Walter Simonsen, the program includes the Marching Band and Pep Band, both of which are open to students from any major with a background in music.

    The Marching Band, which launched its inaugural season in 2024, performs at Mt. SAC football games and special events both on and off campus. In 2026, the program expanded with the addition of the Pep Band, which provides exciting musical support for basketball games throughout the winter and spring seasons.

    Students may also participate in Drumline and Color Guard, with plans underway to expand these opportunities through the development of indoor percussion and winter guard programs. Whether performing on the field, in the stands, or at campus events, students become part of an energetic and welcoming community built around music, teamwork, school spirit, and fun.

  • Guitar Ensemble

    Guitar Ensemble

    The Mt. SAC Guitar Ensemble provides students with the opportunity to apply and expand the skills they have developed through the college's guitar program. Directed by David Adele, the ensemble brings together both music majors and non-majors in a collaborative environment focused on musical growth, artistic expression, and ensemble performance.

    Many students join the ensemble after completing beginning, intermediate, and advanced guitar coursework, making it an ideal next step for those who wish to continue developing their musicianship and performance skills. Through the study of diverse repertoire and regular performances, students gain valuable ensemble experience while becoming part of a welcoming community of guitarists who share a passion for music.

  • Commercial Music

    Commercial Music

    Mt. SAC's Commercial Music Ensembles provide students with hands-on experience performing the music of today's commercial music industry. Through the Pop/Rock Band and Advanced Commercial Music Ensemble, students explore a wide range of contemporary styles, including pop, rock, R&B, hip hop, country, electronic music, and other emerging genres.

    Designed for skilled performers, producers, and creators, these auditioned ensembles emphasize the practical skills needed in modern music careers, including live performance, collaboration, improvisation, music technology, and multimedia production. Students work with vocalists, instrumentalists, and digital music creators to develop performances that reflect current industry practices while exploring new and innovative approaches to music making.

    Whether your interests lie on the stage, in the studio, or at the intersection of music and technology, Mt. SAC's Commercial Music Ensembles offer exciting opportunities to create, perform, and collaborate in a dynamic and forward-thinking musical environment.