Vocal and instrumental ensembles
Fall 2025 update - Ensemble auditions will be held at the New Westminster campus on Monday 18 August 2025. Please see the bottom of this page for audition specifications by instrument.
Community members and all non-music swagÂ鶹 students are welcome to join any of the Music Department's ensembles to rehearse and perform with students who are enrolled in one of our music programs. All of the ensemble courses run at the New Westminster campus and courses are only offered in the fall and winter terms. (All performance ensembles may not be offered every academic cycle.)
An audition is required before you can be approved for registration. Further information about how to request an audition can be found in the ensemble descriptions.
Please note that students currently enrolled in a swagÂ鶹 music program have registration priority for all ensembles.
Chorus
Chorus singers perform major works from the Western Classical repertoire in addition to shorter works of various styles. Chorus performances are held once or twice each semester. Previous choral experience and the ability to read music is required.
Prerequisite: by audition. Auditions take place in early September and January every year. To arrange for an audition, please contact commusic@douglascollege.ca.
Fall 2025
Dates: 02 September to 03 December, Tuesdays 6:30–9:20pm
Instructor: TBA
Location: Laura C. Muir Theatre
Fee: $95.00 + GST
Chorale [Not offered in Fall 2025 or Winter 2026]
swagÂ鶹’s highly esteemed chamber choir singers perform music from a variety of genres and eras including the classical repertoire, jazz, and folk songs. Chorale performances are held on campus and in the community. Previous choral experience and the ability to read music is required.
Prerequisite: by audition.
Future course offerings are under review. (Dates to be determined.)
Dates: TBA
Instructor: TBA
Location: Laura C. Muir Theatre
Fee: $95.00 + GST
Beginning Choral Ensemble
This course covers the basic skills of ensemble singing, including vocal production as well as singing in unison and by voice parts.
Fall 2025
Dates: 02 September to 03 December, Tuesdays 4:30–6:20pm
Instructor: TBA
Location: N3285 (Studio A)
Fee: $95.00 + GST
Beginning Instrumental Ensemble
This course introduces the basic skills of ensemble playing, including balance, proper technique, phrasing, and dynamics. Special emphasis will be placed on technical development and reading skills.
Fall 2025
Dates: 02 September to 03 December, Tuesdays 6:30–8:20pm
Instructor: Mark D'Angelo
Location: N3285 (Studio A)
Fee: $95.00 + GST
Concert Band
Concert Band instrumentalists rehearse and perform intermediate to advanced repertoire in a variety of musical styles. Rehearsals focus on preparing repertoire for end of semester concerts.
Prerequisite: by audition. To request an audition, please contact commusic@douglascollege.ca.
Fall 2025
Dates: 02 September to 03 December, Mondays 4:30–6:20pm, Wednesdays 6:30–8:20pm
Instructor: Mark D’Angelo
Location: Laura C. Muir Theatre (Wednesday) and N3285 (Monday)
Fee: $95.00 + GST
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble players perform classics from the jazz tradition as well as contemporary pieces. Musicians with at least three years of experience are welcome to audition. (Admission is based on available seats.)
Prerequisite: by audition. To request an audition, please contact commusic@douglascollege.ca.
Fall 2025
Dates: 02 September to 03 December, Tuesday 4:30–6:20pm
Instructor: Mark D’Angelo
Location: Laura C. Muir Theatre
Fee: $95.00 + GST
Percussion Ensemble
Musicians with percussion, drum set, and keyboard instruments (e.g. piano) experience are welcome to audition for the swagÂ鶹 Percussion Ensemble. Knowledge of snare drum technique and mallet keyboard technique is recommended. Repertoire will include traditional percussion ensemble music as well as music from numerous countries. (Admission is based on available seats.)
Prerequisite: by audition. To request an audition, please contact commusic@douglascollege.ca.
Fall 2025
Dates: 02 September to 03 December, Thursdays 5:30–7:20pm
Instructor: TBA
Location: N3285 (Studio A)
Fee: $95.00 + GST
Guitar Ensemble
Ensemble guitarists rehearse and perform appropriate repertoire from two to four parts. Emphasis is placed on the development of sight-reading ability, ensemble skills, and musical style.
Prerequisite: by audition. To request an audition, please contact commusic@douglascollege.ca.
Fall 2025
Dates: 02 September to 03 December, Wednesdays 4:30–6:20pm
Instructor: Adrian Verdejo
Location: N3221 (Studio B)
Fee: $95.00 + GST
- One verse of a song (preferably classical, folk song, or choral passage). Accompaniment not required but extra copy of the music is appreciated.
- Vocalization to assess range/placement.
- Sight reading of a short diatonic passage.
Two contrasting pieces. (Solos, etudes, or pieces from any school repertoire you have worked on in the past.)
Perform a short solo or improvisation on your instrument (percussion/drumset preferred but not required).
Sight reading and clapping a short rhythmic passage.
Instrument: Acoustic Guitar (steel or nylon string)
Reading Assessment – Staff notation in the treble clef and chord notation. Key signatures up to two sharps and flats, reading on treble clef. Simple and compound meter time signatures. Knowledge of open chord progressions and barre chords (Major/Minor/Dominant 7th).
Repertoire sample – Performance (plectrum or fingerstyle) of any piece of music, any style.