Concert Band

MUSC 1106

The Concert Band at Anoka Ramsey gives students the opportunity to continue playing their instrument in a positive and yet challenging ensemble.  The ARCC Concert Band performs at least twice per semester, has had pieces composed for the group, and occasionally takes a short tour within the metro area.  Students in the Concert Band will experience a variety of concert band literature from classic transcriptions to favorite marches and contemporary pieces.  There is no audition required and there are instruments and instrument storage available for students free of charge.  Students may repeat this course up to four semesters for credit or take the ensemble for zero credit for free.  The Concert Band is a great place for music majors and hobbyists to come together to enjoy making music.

contact: Sam Bergstrom

Jazz Ensemble

MUSC 1146

The ARCC Jazz Ensemble rehearses a variety of jazz literature for study and performance.  The ensemble is open to all students for 1 credit or as a student activity for zero credits.  While No audition is required, students must read written musical notation (not including tablature) for their instrument. Additionally, ALL instrumentalists, not just “traditional jazz” instrumentalists, are encouraged to join.  Further, ALL levels of experience with jazz are welcome to participate!  Also, some instruments are available for student use. Jazz Ensemble Rehearses Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:00-12:50pm and has 1 - 2 performances each semester. 

contact: Rich Manik

Musical Theatre Ensemble

MUSC 1147

An instrumental ensemble performing music to accompany the yearly musical production. This course is open to all students. Some instruments are available for student use. Performances and rehearsals are scheduled by the director.

contact: Rich Manik

Concert Choir - Coon Rapids Campus

MUSC 1108

The Concert Choir on the Coon Rapids Campus is a 60-80 voice ensemble open to all students at the college without an audition.  The Choir performs in three on-campus concerts per year as well as a day-tour each semester traveling to area schools, churches, synagogues, and other colleges.  Every year the Concert Choir performs a masterwork-level piece of repertoire with a professional orchestra.  Past performances have included Vivaldi's GLORIA, Schubert's MASS IN G, Rutter's REQUIEM, Handel's MESSIAH and HOSPITAL ANTHEM, Bach's CANTATA 61, and Mendelssohn's ELIJAH.  In addition, the choir performs a variety of smaller works representing a diversity of cultures, historical periods, and musical styles.  Prior music reading and choral experience is extremely helpful, but not absolutely necessary for successful participation.  Contact Melissa Bergstrom for more information on joining this high-energy, high-quality choral ensemble.

contact: Melissa Bergstrom

Concert Choir - Cambridge Campus

MUSC 1108

The concert choir at the Cambridge Campus is a large-group ensemble, focused on singing a variety of choral literature.  Students will work to develop healthy and growing vocal and choral musicianship as they build ensemble.  A minimum of 2 performances are required of all members, and there is a possibility of additional performances at the director's discretion.  No audition is required, and students of all levels of music experience and expertise are encouraged to join.

contact: Sharri VanAlstine

Chamber Singers

MUSC 1148

The Chamber Singers is an auditioned ensemble performing a wide variety of repertoire with an emphasis on the "chamber" experience, that is, small group singing (typically one to three voices per part).  Individual voices are highlighted in music theater scenes, Renaissance madrigals, vocal jazz, and contemporary choral compositions.  Auditions for this ensemble are held during the first three days of classes each semester (M/T/W) and include sight-reading, tonal memory, a prepared choral excerpt, and tone quality/range checks.  Contact Melissa Bergstrom for more information on auditioning for this select group.

contact: Melissa Bergstrom

Guitar Ensemble

MUSC 1149

Guitar Ensemble is open to students who play the guitar, bass guitar, or upright bass.  In this group, students have the opportunity to perform a variety of guitar ensemble literature.  From Bach to rock, students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of guitar styles such as classical, jazz, rock, blues, and other contemporary styles.  Students will also have the opportunity to solo/improvise as well as work on reading and technical skills.  The guitar ensemble will participate in at least two performances each semester and occasionally take a short tour within the metro area.  Students may repeat this course up to four semesters for credit or take the ensemble for zero credit for free.  Whether you are a music major, have played guitar for a few years in bands, or just completed class guitar, the Guitar Ensemble is a great place to meet other guitarists, explore new music, and have fun performing in a group setting.

contact: Sam Bergstrom

Chamber Ensembles

MUSC 2145          

Students will be assigned to small groups (duets, trios, etc), in which they will learn to select appropriate repertoire and develop rehearsal skills. Participating in both student-directed rehearsals and small-group coaching with instructor, student work will culminate in a public performance during the last weeks of class. Students will also explore the variety of instrumentation, performance styles, and historical contexts of chamber repertoire. Some examples of performance group possibilities are: flute trio, guitar quartet, brass quintet, voice and guitar duet, percussion ensemble, etc.

contact: Rich Manik