Ensembles

Department History | Chamber Ensemble | Chamber Singers | Chorus | Jazz Ensembles

Department History

The Department of Music at CCRI is one of the college's original departments, having been in existence since the college was founded as Rhode Island Junior College in 1964. At first, courses were taught as fine arts electives for Liberal Arts and General Studies students. Later, when the Associate in Fine Arts degree programs were put in place, the Music Department formulated two A.F.A. tracks – Music or Jazz Studies, along with the A.F.A. tracks in Art and Theater. The A.F.A. Music or Jazz Studies programs provide the first two years of the four-year degrees in those areas, with the goal of successful transfer and completion of the baccalaureate degree in Music, Music Education or Jazz.

Chamber Ensemble

The Chamber Ensemble is CCRI's classical music instrumental group. Led by Prof. Cheri Markward, members of the club meet twice a week to rehearse. The Ensemble gives a full performance at the end of the semester and often performs for College and other functions during the semester. All acoustic instrumentalists and pianists of different skill levels are welcome. Musicians must be able to read music. The Chamber Ensemble fulfills the AFA Music degree requirements for ensemble credit.

Rehearsals: Monday and Wednesday, 1-2:15pm; Room 0540
Registration: 1-credit

Chamber Singers

For those who enjoy part-singing in a small group, this is an interesting close knit ensemble. The Chamber Singers ensemble, led by Dr. Joseph Amante, offers an opportunity to explore a variety of choral repertoire, including a cappella polyphonic music, spirituals and contemporary styles. Performances include fall concerts on campus and in the community, a choral festival and an annual spring concert. Auditions for placement within the group are held at the first two rehearsals each semester.

Rehearsals: Tuesday, 12-12:50pm; Thursday 11-12:50; Room 0562
Registration: 1-credit

Chorus

A marvelous opportunity, led by Dr. Joseph Amante, for those who enjoy singing to learn vocal technique while having fun rehearsing varied and interesting styles of choral music. Auditions for placement in each section (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) are held during the first meeting of each semester. The ensemble meets the AFA Music degree semester requirement for ensemble credit.

Rehearsals: Monday and Wednesday, 2:30-3:45pm; Room 0562
Registration: 1-credit.

For students in the Newport area, a section of Chorus is offered at Salve Regina University. Students register at CCRI for MUSC1210-598. Rehearsals are Thursday, 6:45-8:15pm.

Jazz Ensemble

The CCRI Jazz Ensemble, led by Dr. Steve Lajoie, is an active performing musical organization which gives several performances each semester, both on and off campus. The the past, the CCRI Jazz Ensemble has performed in collegiate jazz festivals at Williams College, MIT, U-Mass Dartmouth, URI and RIC. The ensemble welcomes students who are interested in performing jazz, and who are willing to make a strong commitment to a hard-working and rewarding musical organization. Membership is open to any CCRI student. Auditions areheld during each semester's first two scheduled classes. This course meets the AFA Jazz Studies degree semester requirement for ensemble credit.

Rehearsals: Tuesday and Thursday, as published in the course scheduling bulletin.
Registration: 1-credit.

Gene Bertoncini Jazz Guitar Masterclass Fall 2009

Jazz Ensemble performing Miles Ahead at the Fall 2009 concert