Department of Music
Ensembles & Individual Instruction
Individual Instruction
Private lessons ar
e offered by an outstanding artist faculty in all instruments, voice, and composition. One half-hour lesson with a minimum of five hours practice weekly yields one credit per semester; two half-hour lessons with corresponding practice carry two credits. Lessons may be arranged without credit. Fees for lessons are listed in the fees and charges sections of the Department of Music Student Handbook.
Student Recitals
Each month, Whittier College students studying privately with an artist-in-residence have the opportunity to perform in the Poet Musicale. Majors are strongly encouraged to participate in partial or complete recitals as part of their upper-division work. These recital opportunities exist for all students studying privately, whether or not they are music majors.
Ensembles: Performance for Credit
Each of the Whittier College ensembles listed below are open to all students, subject to audition or permission of the instructor. All may be taken for one credit per semester, and may be repeated.
The COLLEGE CHOIR is a large choral ensemble open by audition to all students.With programs featuring a variety of choral literature, the choir performs on campus throughout the academic year, in addition to two principal activities: the Christmas Madrigal Feaste or Holiday Concet in December, and the annual concert tour in the spring. Recent tour destinations include the Southeastern United States, Northern California, Hawaii, and Mexico.
VOCÉ is a select group of 12 to 16 voices chosen from the College Choir, with a repertoire that includes vocal jazz and popular music. Performances include community programs, service clubs, and featured pieces with the College Choir.
The CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLES provide students with the preparation and performance of small group/chamber music. Emphasis is placed upon high degree of musicianship and fine ensemble playing. Areas of concentration include the study of musical styles, phrasing, balance and blending techniques, intonation, rehearsal techniques, and performance. Groups ranging in size from 2 to 10 members are formed for this purpose. Performances are regularly scheduled within the department's seasonal calendar.
Community Ensembles
In addition, students may earn college credit for participation in either of two community ensembles: Rio Hondo Symphony and Chorale Bel Canto.
RIO HONDO SYMPHONY is a regional, semi-professional community orchestra for the advanced student; membership is gained through audition only.
CHORALE BEL CANTO is a community masterworks chorale of 80 voices which performs large choral works with orchestra. Audition is required and open to faculty, staff and students.
