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Prairie State College Offers Performance Opportunities for Musicians


Chicago Heights, IL—(ENEWSPF)— Vocalists and instrumentalists who want to perform with a group have several options at Prairie State College. All ensembles begin the week of August 25 unless otherwise noted.

Musicians interested in performing standard symphonic literature are encouraged to join the Wind Ensemble. Directed by Phillip Crews, the ensemble is open to musicians of at least an intermediate level of playing and reading music. Participants must enroll in MUSIC 120, and audition for placement is required for new members. Rehearsals are on Monday from 6:30 to 8:20 p.m.

Jazz musicians who want opportunities for improvisation during performance have a choice of two ensembles, a big band and a jazz combo, both directed by Valerie Nicholson. The jazz combo focuses on small group techniques, and the big band features reading music. No audition is required for the jazz combo, but participants must enroll in MUSIC 152. Rehearsals held Tuesdays from 7 to 9:40 p.m.

An audition is required for the Big Band Ensemble. Musicians will be required to sight-read music at the audition. Upon acceptance into the ensemble, participants must enroll in MUSIC 153. Rehearsals are held Mondays from 8:30 to 10 p.m. and begin on September 8.

To schedule an audition, e-mail [email protected] or call (708) 709-3742. 

Vocalists also can perform in a group as part of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. The ensemble performs jazz standards and other contemporary music with a rhythm section. This group is directed by Jeremy Landig and is composed of PSC music majors, students at large, and community members. Rehearsals are held Mondays from 7 to 9:40 p.m. No audition is required for the jazz combo, but participants must enroll in MUSIC 162.

Those who like to sing also can join the Grande Prairie Singers. The group, directed by James Kallembach, is a large mixed chorus representing more than twenty villages and suburbs. Participants will perform at three group concerts and two performances with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. Rehearsals are held Tuesday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. To join the Grande Prairie Singers, an audition is required. To schedule an audition or for more information, call (708) 481-8684. Upon acceptance into the Grande Prairie Singers, participants who want to receive college credit must enroll in MUSIC 110.

For more information about the ensembles or to arrange an audition, contact Nicholson at (708) 709-3742 or [email protected].

Fall classes begin August 25. Registering now for fall classes assures getting the schedule needed to fit busy lives. All new students must register in person. Prairie State College’s Counseling & Academic Advising Center and Office of Admissions are open Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. In an effort to provide optimal customer service, it is requested that all students sign in by 6:30 p.m. Continuing students may register online at prairiestate.edu or in person. Course listings are available on Prairie State College Web site through the WebAdvisor link on the homepage. Print versions for the fall schedule are available on campus and were mailed to all households in the district in June. For more information call (708) 709-3506.


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