Performing Ensembles

Performing ensembles are an important part of the study and practice of music. Participation in music ensembles builds musicianship skills, collaborative (team) skills, and individual performance skills. Our student ensembles - Concert Band, Concert Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble – perform music in a wide range of styles and genres. In addition to being a core component of our music degrees, our performing ensembles contribute to the College's goal of creating a leading cultural center for the community through regular public concerts.

Skyline College Ensembles:

Concert Band

The Skyline College Concert Band (MUS. 430) is a large ensemble of full-time and part-time student musicians who play woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The Concert Band rehearses weekly during the school year and performs classical and pops repertoire at community events, sporting events, and showcases in and around San Mateo County.

For further information, please contact Dr. Luis Zúñiga by email zunigal@smccd.edu

Concert Choir

The Skyline College Concert Choir draws its members from matriculating students at the college, members of the surrounding communities, and College staff, faculty, and administration. It has performed programs showcasing the art of a cappella singing as well as programs featuring major works for choir and orchestra.

In addition to performing at Skyline College, the choir has performed at the Mildred Owen Concert Hall in Pacifica, CA under the auspices of Pacifica Performances and at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church in Daly City, CA.

We strive to provide a fun and welcoming environment for both advanced and beginning choristers to explore quality choral literature while pursuing musical excellence.

Skyline College Concert Choir rehearses Tuesday evenings.

All voice parts welcome.

For further information, please contact Michelle Hawkins by email hawkinsm@smccd.edu or phone (650) 738-7134

Jazz Band

The Skyline College Jazz Band (MUS. 450) is an auditioned ensemble of musicians who play trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and rhythm section instruments. The Jazz Band rehearses weekly during the school year and performs jazz, rock, and pop repertoire at community events, sporting events, and showcases in and around San Mateo County. In addition, the Skyline College Jazz Quintet performs as a select jazz combo for special events.

For further information, please contact Dr. Luis Zúñiga by email zunigal@smccd.edu

Vocal Jazz Ensemble

The Skyline College Vocal Jazz Ensemble (MUS. 485) performs a wide variety of contemporary choral repertoire including jazz, pop, R&B, and world music. They perform at campus concerts, community events, and statewide jazz festivals and competitions including the Cuesta, Columbia and Santa Cruz Jazz Festivals. In April 2017, the Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Soundscape) performed in the New York City Jazz Festival at the Apollo Theater and Carnegie Hall. They won 2nd place and 6 soloist medals at the Reno Jazz Festival 2016. In Spring 2018, Soundscape will perform at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Western Division Conference in Pasadena, CA.

The Vocal Jazz Ensemble rehearses Mondays, 7-10 pm.

To learn more about joining the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, please contact Michelle Hawkins by email hawkinsm@smccd.edu or phone (650) 738-7134.

Guitar Ensemble

The Skyline College Guitar Ensemble (MUS. 383) consists of several small group ensembles performing music from the pop, rock, blues, and folk repertoire.

Weekly rehearsals take place Thursday nights and culminate in a public performance at the end of the semester. The ensembles are open to guitarists as well as bassists, pianists, and drummers.

The Guitar Ensemble is returning for the Fall 2023 semester. Please check WebSchedule for details.

For further information, please contact Nelsen Hutchison by email hutchinsonn@smccd.edu

Symphony Orchestra

The Skyline College Symphony Orchestra (MUS. 440) is an auditioned ensemble of musicians who play string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments.

The Symphony Orchestra rehearses weekly during the school year and performs Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth Century, and Contemporary repertoire on the Skyline College campus.

In addition, trios and quartets comprised of members of the large ensemble are frequently formed in order to present chamber music for special events. The Skyline College Symphony Orchestra is temporarily on hiatus. Violin and Viola players: please consider enrolling in the Violin/Viola class MUS. 355-358.