Students will have many opportunities to perform in both large and small ensembles, and there are requirements for each that vary from degree to degree. It is important that you experience performing in a variety of ensembles, but you must also be careful to limit the number of ensembles so that you have time for your individual practice. Normally, a student may not participate in more than two ensembles. Students may participate in more than two ensembles only with permission of the Department Chair. Students must be registered in an SJCC ensemble to participate.
Vocal Ensembles
MUEN 1141 College Choir: Membership is open to all students on the basis of audition and/or conference. College choir performs many styles of sacred and secular literature. This course may be taken a maximum of six times for credit. (1:0-3) Directed by Dr. Patrick Callaghan.
MUEN 1154 Small Vocal Ensemble: Membership is open to a select number of students on the basis of audition. These groups perform many styles of sacred and secular music throughout the semester. This course may be taken a maximum of six times for credit. (1:0-3) Directed by Dr. Patrick Callaghan.
Instrumental Ensembles
MUEN 1131 Small Instrumental Ensemble - Steel Drum Band / Guitar Ensemble: Membership is open to all students on the basis of audition and/or permission from the ensemble director. The small instrumental ensemble meet three laboratory hours per week with special rehearsals called as needed. This course may be taken a maximum of six times for credit. (1:0-3) Steel Drum Band directed by Professor Michael Mizma; Guitar Ensemble directed by Professor Greg Petito.
MUEN 1121 SJCC String Orchestra: Membership is open to all students on the basis of audition and/or conference. Instruments include all string instruments. The String Ensemble meets three laboratory hours per week with special rehearsals called as needed. Course may be taken a maximum of six times for credit. (1:0-3) Directed by: Dr. Ingrid Hunter.
MUEN 1124 Wind Ensemble: Membership is open to all students on the basis of the audition and/or conference. Performance literature represents many styles of music including classical and popular styles. Instruments in the Wind Ensemble include all woodwind, brass, percussion, and selected string instruments. The Wind Ensemble meets three hours per week, with special rehearsals called as needed. This course may be repeated a maximum of six times for credit. (1:0-3) Directed by Professor Graham Tobin.
MUEN 1125 Jazz Ensemble: Membership is open to students on the basis of audition and/or permission from the instruction. Instruments in the Jazz Ensemble include trumpets, trombones, saxophones, piano, bass, guitar and percussion. Performance literature represents many styles of jazz music including big band jazz, swing, Latin jazz, and jazz/rock. The Jazz Ensemble meets three hours per week with special rehearsals called as needed. Course may be taken a maximum of six times for credit. (1:0-3) Directed by Professor Graham Tobin.
Private Lessons 
Private lessons are a college-level course and required each semester per the degree plan. Private lesson CRNs are not visible on the SJC Course finder. To register for private lessons, please email Department Chair Lynne Brandt (lynne.brandt@sjcd.edu) to obtain a link and/or a QR code (you may also follow this hyperlink for private lessons). Once the code is scanned it will take you to a google document that you will complete. The completed document will go to the department chair for approval. Pending approval, a CRN will then be created and instructions sent to you to register.
Please note: your requested teacher may not be available and/or approved by the Department Chair. Pending approval, you will be issued a CRN to register for your private lessons.
Just as with any course, you should expect your private lesson teacher to give you a syllabus and first-day handout to explain their attendance, grading, and studio policies. You should expect to find your course syllabus and instructor contact information on Blackboard. Your weekly lesson grades should be entered regularly on Blackboard. All two-credit hour / hour-long private lessons should have the following grading policies:
A. Concert Attendance: 10%
B. Instrumental lab Attendance/Performance: 20%
If your private lesson teacher has not contacted you by the second day of classes, please see the Department Chair for help in contacting your instructor. Lessons will begin the first week of the semester and should include 15 weeks of instruction. Specific attendance policies should be clearly defined in your course syllabus (including policies for missed lessons and make-up lessons).
Students are encouraged to keep an open and professional dialogue with their instructors over their expectations, practice regimens, and progress. Please contact the Department Chair if you have any concerns regarding your private lessons.
Secondary Applied Lessons
Lessons on secondary instruments can be beneficial to the student. However, it is imperative students are aware of the financial aid and accumulated credit hour implications associated with all enrolled courses. Please seek advising from your private lesson teacher, and/or the Department Chair if you have any questions about private lessons and your specific degree, scholarship, or financial aid situation.
Labs / Master Classes
Music Majors are required to attend and perform in performance labs. Attendance is a component of your private lesson grade (20%).
- Composition Lab / Orpheus Fridays 8am-9:30am
- Instrumental Lab Fridays 10:30am-11:30am
- Vocal Lab Fridays 12:30pm-1:30pm