VCC Music

VCC New Music Ensemble and Bigger Band Concert live in-person at the Broadway campus and live on Facebook.

Gamelan Ensemble and Jazz Repertory Ensemble Concert live online and in-person at VCC Broadway Campus!

V4C, Willan Choir, and Indigenous Vocal Ensemble Concert live at VCC Music

New Music Ensemble – Giorgio Magnanensi
The New Music Ensemble provides an opportunity to investigate an experimental approach in composition and performance for/with an instrumental ensemble. Both improvisation and structured/graphing scoring will be examined and researched, with priority given to experimentation with new ideas, not idiomatic instrumental techniques. The ensemble also participates in free form improvisation and other activities such as:
• analysis and performance of various kind of contemporary experimental scores, both existing or composed by the students
• conduction
• seminars by guest musicians/improvisers
• public performances

Jazz Repertory Ensemble – Craig Scott
The Jazz Repertory Ensemble consists of rhythm section (keyboards, bass, guitar, drums and percussion) and frontline instruments such as trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and vocals (frontline instruments may vary widely). The repertoire focuses on major composers of both standards (e.g. Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, Irving Berlin etc.) and jazz repertoire (e.g. Charlie Parker, Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Duke Ellington, etc.). In addition to its focus on significant composers, the repertory ensemble will also concentrate on the various sub-genres that influence jazz (bebop, hard bop, model, free, funk, Latin, etc...). Lead sheets and arrangements will come from a variety of sources, and students are encouraged to make repertoire suggestions, contribute arrangements, and provide programming ideas. Aside from the expected focus on meter, feel, and excellence of ensemble playing, concepts of improvisation form an essential part of the curriculum. In fact, this class is designed to “dovetail” with repertoire and improvisational concepts presented in the various improvisation courses at VCC. All players are expected to transcribe, learn and perform solos, with the goal of improvising their own solos using concepts learned in improvisation classes, private lessons and ensemble rehearsals. Private practice on those concepts is required. Rhythm section players should display familiarity with various styles and grooves.

Indigenous Vocal Ensemble – Russell Wallace
The Indigenous Vocal Ensemble will rehearse and perform a number of Indigenous songs utilizing voice and percussion. The group is open to all levels of singers and serves as an introduction to Indigenous music and Salish music forms. Traditional songs along with original compositions will serve as the basis of the repertoire but collective improvisation will also be explored. The aural tradition of learning will be used but scored arrangements may be part of the experience. Student arrangements and harmonies will be welcome.

Indigenous Vocal Ensemble – Russell Wallace
The Indigenous Vocal Ensemble will rehearse and perform a number of Indigenous songs utilizing voice and percussion. The group is open to all levels of singers and serves as an introduction to Indigenous music and Salish music forms. Traditional songs along with original compositions will serve as the basis of the repertoire but collective improvisation will also be explored. The aural tradition of learning will be used but scored arrangements may be part of the experience. Student arrangements and harmonies will be welcome.

Gamelan Ensemble – Jon Siddall
Not a percussionist but feel the need to hit things? The Indonesian bronze gongs, metallophones, and sundry other percussion that make up the gamelan can be a great way to relieve stress, open the creative mind and improve your sense of rhythm and ensemble. Percussionists/drummers are very welcome to join the class to broaden their skills. The ensemble sometimes welcomes original student compositions. No experience is necessary, but students must have some reading skills.

Bigger Band Ensemble - John Korsrud
The VCC Bigger Band is a 10-12 member ensemble that rehearses and performs a wide range of repertoire and styles. Styles of music include, but are not limited to, jazz, rock, funk, singer-songwriter, and experimental. Compositions by members of the ensemble are encouraged. A strong sight-reading foundation and experience in improvisation are helpful. Instruments required are trumpets, trombones, and saxophones along with a rhythm section of piano, guitar, bass and drums.

Songwriter Circle featuring VCC Music instructors Erik Severinson and Russell Wallace.

Alumni Week Foodbank Fundraiser Concert featuring Luvinya!

Alumni Week at VCC Music is on now!

Please join us:
Wednesday, February 7 at 7pm - We will be hosting our annual Foodbank Fundraising concert featuring Luvinya & The Retrolytes. Admission is by donation to the foodbank.

Thursday, February 8 at 8pm - Songwriters’ Circle led by Russell Wallace and Erik Severinson.

Friday, February 9 at 3pm – Alumni masterclass with VCC Music alumnus and composer, Patric Caird.

All events will be held in the auditorium at the Broadway campus.

Here's a look back at our ensemble concerts from last term. To watch the full concerts, head over to our YouTube page: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiTzmnseXMMniYg4Rrk1uF1ud2uPblAoV&si=5JXRaGt_HEzKpCmD

Come check out our upcoming alumni masterclass sessions on February 9, 2024 during Alumni Week!

Come check out our upcoming alumni masterclass sessions on February 9, 2024 during Alumni Week!

VCC Music alumnus Sebastian Chamney gives a masterclass during Alumni Week discussing jazz guitar strategies.
Come check out our upcoming alumni masterclass sessions on February 9, 2024 during Alumni Week!

Keep an eye out for more Alumni Week videos!