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 Master Chorale was the first music ensemble at IVC, performing for the first time in 1979. Since that time, the Master Chorale has offered performances from the great masterworks of the Western canon to the Great American Songbook, to the vast treasury of choral music from the world's cultures. The choir has traveled to Europe and South America, and choir members have performed on the stage of Carnegie Hall.
The music curriculum is designed to provide a thorough and high-quality course of study for the transferring music major, as well as opportunities for students in other fields to learn about music through courses and through participation in performing groups. Courses offered in the music curriculum meet major transfer requirements, and many also meet general education requirements in the arts and/or humanities. The curriculum includes courses in music performance, theory, history, and appreciation, as well as a variety of fine vocal and instrumental ensembles.
Vi Ly, Ed.D. | Dean, the Arts
Matthew Tresler | Department Chair: Music, the Arts
Benjamin Penman | Director of Arts Production, Management, the Arts
Music was among the first academic programs offered at Irvine Valley College. The first performances were given in December of 1979. Since that time the department has grown and remains one of the college’s most high profile and active departments. The department offers courses that enable students to both make and create music, and to better understand it. We offer courses in the appreciation and, courses in the theory and composition, and courses in the performance. We have six performing ensembles rehearsing weekly and presenting concerts several times a year.
Participation in backstage crew is open to all students and community members. Crew members are an essential part of the production team and serve as stagehands, dressers, make-up technicians, lighting operators, and audio/video technicians. No prior experience is required.
The department of theater does a season of four or five productions each year. We typically do one musical and one straight play each semester. Occasionally we do productions in the summer.
Students in the Theater Arts program have the opportunity to take classes from, as well as be in productions guided by, industry professionals who can guide the student toward discovering a new career path or enriching an existing goal of continued training and experience in the theater arts.
Vi Ly, Ed.D. | Dean, the Arts
M. Scott Grabau | Department Chair: Theatre Arts, the Arts
Christina Perez | Costume/Makeup Designer, the Arts
Whether it’s the indelible, escalating musical intensity of Dunkirk, or the refined racket of Arrakis on Dune, you’ve probably had your mind blown by the work of Irvine Valley College grad Raul Vega.
As digital instrument creator for legendary film composer Hans Zimmer, Vega has contributed to such memorable scores as Interstellar, Dunkirk, and most recently, Academy Award Best Original Score-winner Dune. With more than 30 TV and film credits to his name in less than 10 years, the IVC alum’s early career is playing out on the highest of notes.
If you are not in a community college but you still want to get an "A" in math, keep on reading. There may be something interesting in here for you.
Did you ever wonder how you could have gotten an "A" in math but you missed it by a small margin? Here are some hints to help you: