The mission of the instrumental music area (IMA) is to provide the finest artistic experience possible for its students and audiences. The IMA is one of the most active and visible segments of the college. IMA performance ensembles serve as a nexus between music students, the college and local communities, and student and professional composers and soloists. Currently there are performance opportunities in the Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Guitar Program.
The Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and guitar classes are exemplary of the California Community Colleges. Membership is drawn from traditional college-aged students as well as from community members of all ages and experiences. Graduates have transferred to all of the region’s major universities and are active in many professions of music.
Guitar Program and Ensemble
Under the direction of Mr. Kevin Jellison, the guitar program offers recital opportunities for students to perform as soloists and in small and large ensembles in three levels of class guitar and the new guitar ensemble.
Jazz Ensemble*
The Jazz Ensemble was formed in 1998 and has remained an active and vibrant part of the college since. The ensemble performs newly composed works as well as music from the repertoire of the jazz big band tradition. The Jazz Ensemble is also the featured performance at the annual IVC Jazz Picnic.
Symphony Orchestra*
The IVC Symphony Orchestra is a traditional ensemble of orchestral strings (violin, viola, cello, and bass), woodwinds, brass and percussion. The Symphony Orchestra performs works from the Renaissance period to the 21st century, including original works drawn from the vast orchestral repertoire, transcriptions, and new works commissioned from professional composers and student composers. The Symphony Orchestra also features the Ill-Tempered Chamber Players, a small select pull-out ensemble that performs mid-sized ensemble music from the Baroque period to the 21st century, often without conductor. Finally, the Symphony Orchestra features professional and student guest conductors as well as featured concerto soloists each season.
Wind Symphony*
The IVC Wind Symphony is the oldest instrumental ensemble at IVC. It is an ensemble of traditional band/orchestra wind and percussion instruments. The Wind Symphony performs repertoire from the Renaissance period to the 21st century, including original wind music; quality transcriptions of folk, orchestral, choral and other music; as well as brand new music composed for the medium. Since 1991 the ensemble has performed over 50 world, state, or regional premieres of new music, including over 10 works commissioned directly from professional composers and from IVC composition students. In addition to the large Wind Symphony, the ensemble also performs in smaller ensembles and features professional and student guest conductors and soloists each season.
* The Jazz Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Symphony courses are not beginning instrument or beginning music reading courses. Students should have three years of ensemble experience before joining. Interested string, brass, woodwind, percussion and guitar players are encouraged to consider joining one of the ensembles or course offerings.