Thursday, February 6, 2014

College of the Canyons Symphonic Band: Spring 2014!

It's time once again to enroll for the wonderful Symphonic Band at College of the Canyons. I'll use this blog entry as a resource for the band for this semester, so check back for new information added at the bottom. We also have a College of the Canyons Symphonic Band Facebook page you can read and follow.

Our theme for Spring is "Around the World in 80 Minutes: A Celebration of International Band Music." We'll also continue our fruitful relationship with composer/tubist William Roper, our Artist-in-Residence for 2013-2014.

Dr. Ray Burkhart conducts the COC Symphonic Band, Dec. 2, 2013

The Spring term begins on February 10, 2014, and since that is a Monday, it's also the first class meeting/rehearsal. 6pm to 10pm on Monday nights, except for holidays. Generally, the woodwind/harmonie ensemble meets from 6-7pm, the full band from 7-9pm, and the brass ensemble from 9-10pm.

College of the Canyons, a part of the California Community College system, is located in Santa Clarita (Valencia), just north of CalArts, a short distance north of the intersection of Interstate 5 and Highway 14. The Music Building – Pico Canyon Hall – is fairly new and is well suited for band rehearsals. We meet in room 202 (PCOH 202). Our May 19 concert will once again be given in the wonderful acoustic of the lobby of the COC University Center.

Dr. Ray gives interesting program notes to the audience!

Given COC's proximity to Los Angeles and Hollywood, a great many world-class musicians live nearby and are friends of mine. COC Symphonic Band members have already enjoyed visits from, and have performed along side, outstanding  concert and recording musicians and composers. I also encourage students who are well prepared to solo with the band to audition to solo. Student composers, too, who play in the band might be able to have their works performed. The COC Symphonic Band experience is a rich one.

If you have any questions, please enter them below, or email me at ray@raymondburkhart.com. Thanks.

Dr. Ray