Vocal Music
The Vocal Music Program at De Anza College offers many opportunities for students to participate in both performance ensembles and solo presentations and study. Listed here is information regarding the classes, along with performance dates, audition explanations, and links to the faculty who are involved in making this program one of the strongest among California Community Colleges.
(Visit the De Anza College web site and the current schedule of classes for scheduling and other information about these classes.)
Performance Ensembles - Classical Ensembles
De Anza Chorale
This mixed-voice ensemble meets each Monday evening at 7:00-9:40 PM in the Choral Hall (A11). The Chorale performs a wide variety of choral literature from the classics to contemporary. Each quarter, the Chorale performs at a major concert either on campus or at a local venue. Placement auditions are held during the first meeting of the class. Singers of all ages are welcomed, especially tenors and basses. You will find the Chorale listed in the schedule of classes as: Music 20.
Audition Information: The placement audition is held during the first class meeting of each quarter. No prepared audition piece is required, but students will be expected to demonstrate their vocal range, tone retention, and tonal quality. The ability to sight read music is helpful, but not required for this ensemble.
De Anza Women's Chorus
This chorus provides an opportunity for women to participate in a singing group of like voices. It is designed for women who are interested in singing with a group for enjoyment. Music of various styles is presented, as well as basic vocal technique and group singing experience. Billie Bandermann directs this ensemble which rehearses each Tuesday evening at 7:00-9:40 PM in the Choral Hall (A11). Two public performances are scheduled each quarter and no auditions are required. You will find the Women's Chorus listed in the schedule of classes as: Music 24.
Audition Information: There is no audition required for this ensemble, but students are expected to show an ability to sing correct pitches and rhythms. This group is limited to women's voices.
Vintage Singers
This select ensemble of 20 vocalists provides the De Anza student the opportunity to perform chamber choral literature in a setting of auditioned voices. Repertoire is chosen from the various musical periods including Renaissance, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary. The Vintage Singers maintain a schedule of performances both on campus and in the community for a variety of functions and events. Past performances have included appearances at state and regional music conventions, festivals, and community events. Ilan Glasman conducts this group, which rehearses at 11:30-12:45 MWF in the Choral Hall (A11). Vocal auditions are held during the first two class meetings each quarter. You will find the Vintage Singers listed in the schedule of classes as: Music 21.
Audition Information: Auditions for this ensemble take place during the first two class meetings of each quarter. Students need not prepare an audition piece, as the audition material will be presented to all during the first class meeting. Students are expected to demonstrate a grasp of ensemble singing, tonal and rhythmic retention, controlled vocal quality, and the ability to learn separate parts quickly. Music reading is not required, but some knowledge of it is most helpful.
Performance Ensembles - Vocal Jazz Ensembles
Studio Singers
This a'cappella vocal jazz ensemble has existed since 1998. Students are exposed to an ever-growing repertoire of unaccompanied vocal jazz material, covering influences in jazz of doo-wop, be-bop, and contemporary vocal sounds. In 2000, this ensemble was the winner of the Down Beat Magazine award for best vocal jazz group among colleges and universities. The group varies from 4-7 members. Each year, they perform at several college and community functions and record several numbers for the De Anza Vocal Jazz CD. Special emphasis is placed on microphone technique, small ensemble singing, improvisation, and performance techniques. The auditions are held during the first week of the quarter. Rehearsals are MW from 4:00 - 6:15, and on Friday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. in the Choral Hall (A11). Membership requires a year long commitment. You will find the Studio Singers listed in the schedule of classes as: Music 27A, 27B and 29. (See audition information below.)
Vocal Flight
This select ensemble of 5-6 voices is an outgrowth of the De Anza Jazz Singers, the group that has been in existence for the past 20 years at De Anza College. The repertoire of this group includes arrangements of latin, swing, ballads - both published and new items written specifically for the singers. They have performed at major jazz festivals in the US and Europe. The most recent European tour in July and August of 2000 brought performances at the jazz festivals in Nice, Toulon, Grau du Roi, and Saint Gervais, France. They have also appeared at the Montreux and Monterey festivals, and each year they perform at the Herb Patnoe Memorial Jazz Festival on the De Anza campus. This ensemble performs with a rhythm section, comprised of professional musicians from the Bay Area. Vocal Flight has recorded three CD's and is currently working on their fourth. The auditions are held during the first week of the quarter. Rehearsals are MW from 4:00-6:15 PM, and on Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Choral Hall (A11). Membership requires a year long commitment. You will find Vocal Flight listed in the schedule of classes as: Music 27A, 27B, and 29. (See audition information below.)
De Anza Jazz Singers
This ensemble is intended to give experience in vocal jazz ensemble singing to the less experienced jazz vocalist, and to open the door to the vocal jazz experience for those who wish to explore this exciting arena of performance. The students perform at each end of the quarter concert, and members often use this group experience to audition for the more complex arrangements of the Studio Singers and Vocal Flight. The auditions are held during the first week of the quarter. Rehearsals are T from 4:00-6:15 PM, W from 4:00-6:15 PM, and on Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Choral Hall (A11). You will find the De Anza Jazz Singers listed in the schedule of classes as: Music 27A, 27B, and 29.
(See audition information below.)
Auditions for Studio Singers, Vocal Flight, and De Anza Jazz Singers take place during the first week of classes. No prepared audition piece is required. On the first day, an ensemble piece and a solo piece is given to each student for preparation during the week. The second day is a rehearsal on the ensemble piece and a review of the solo literature. The last day, a brief rehearsal is given, then students perform their audition in ensemble format with a variety of combination of students. The solo performance is also presented. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability for ensemble singing, blend, intonation, phrasing, style, and improvisation (if possible). Following the auditions, students are placed in the ensemble which best fits their musical ability.
Voice Classes
Beginning Singing I and II
Music 13A and 13B (Beginning Singing I and II) offer instruction in techniques of solo and group singing. Training in tonal production and control, breathing, diction, and musical accuracy are all accomplished in a group setting. These classes are designed for beginning singers, and also accomplished singers who wish to refresh their vocal technique skills. Consult the class schedule for times of offerings.
Vocal Performance Workshop
This class offers master class instruction to the more advanced vocal student who has previously studied privately, or who has taken Music 13A and 13B. The class size limitation of 10 students makes this class ideal for more intense work in developing repertoire, extending range, improving production technique, and understanding interpretation of the different periods of vocal music in the solo performance. Consult the class schedule for time and days. You will fine the Vocal Performance Workshop listed in the class schedule as: Music 25M.01.
Jazz Solo Voice
Music 52 offers instruction in the study and performance of songs in the jazz idiom. Areas covered include musical phrasing, use of microphones, tonal textures, terminology, working with a rhythm section, creating lead sheets and transposition, and vocal improvisation. A relaxed forum is presented where students can express themselves in a creative manner, utilizing the framework of the principles of vocal jazz. This class is offered both fall and winter quarter. Registration is open to students who have had some solo experience and who wish to learn the techniques of singing vocal jazz. Consult the class schedule for time and day.
Vocal Jazz Performance Workshop
This class offers master class instruction to the more advanced vocal jazz student. Students are selected for this class by audition with the instructor. Class size is limited to 12 students with emphasis placed on further developing musical styling, phrasing, communication, improvisation, and presentation. Instructor and class critiques aid the students' progress, and a final concert is presented at the end of the quarter. A professional rhythm section is provided for each meeting, and students are expected to progress toward a professional performance. Consult the class schedule for time and day. Offered during Spring Quarter only, the Vocal Performance Workshop - Jazz Vocal is listed in the schedule of classes as: Music 25M.61.
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Performing groups and classes are open to all De Anza College students!
Performing Groups
De Anza Chorale
Vintage Singers
Women's Chorus
Jazz Singers
Vocal Flight
Chamber/Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Daddios Jazz Ensemble
GE Music Classes
Introduction to Music classes (Music 1A, B, C, or D) fulfill many transfer and certificate requirements for general education students, can apply to completion of the Music AA degree, and provide a general introduction to the art of music.
Theory/Musicianship
Comprehensive Musicianship
Music Fundamentals
Music Reading
Beginning Music Classes
Voice
Keyboard/piano
Guitar
Other instruments
Electronic Music
Intro to Electronic Music
Intermediate Electronic Music
Steinway institution
De Anza College is the second California community college to be named an "All-Steinway Institution." Faculty and students can teach, learn, and perform on the instruments used by 95% of internationally renowned performing artists.
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