Realize your passion for performance and join a music ensemble at Moraine Valley. Music performance opportunities include two choral groups, jazz combo, jazz ensemble, concert band, flute choir, community orchestra, and percussion ensemble.
Each semester, more than 200 instrumentalists and singers perform in Moraine Valley’s various music groups. Members include full-time and part-time students, high school students, community members, and seasoned professionals.
The Moraine Valley music ensembles present more than twenty on-campus concerts in our performing arts center each year. In addition, our groups have performed at such locations/events as Millennium Park, Illinois Music Education Conference, Illinois Collegiate Conference “Skyway” Jazz Festival, Association for Community College Trustees Conference, Illinois Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society Day of Percussion, Hackney’s Restaurant, Fitzgerald’s, the Orland Hills “Party in the Park,” the Orland Park Public Library and VanderCook College of Music.
Summer 2024
June 10, 7 p.m. – Chorale, Dorothy Menker Theater
June 11, 4 p.m. – Jazz Combo, Dorothy Menker Theater
June 11, 7 p.m. – Jazz Ensemble, Dorothy Menker Theater
June 12, 7 p.m. – Orchestra, Building F, Room F127
Fall 2024
Aug. 19, 7 p.m. – Chorale, Dorothy Menker Theater
Aug. 20, 4 p.m. – Jazz Combo, Dorothy Menker Theater
Aug. 20, 7 p.m. – Jazz Ensemble, Dorothy Menker Theater
Aug. 21, 4 p.m. – Chamber Singers, Dorothy Menker Theater
Aug. 21, 4 p.m. – Flute Choir, John and Angeline Oremus Theater
Aug. 21, 4:30 p.m. – Percussion Ensemble, Building F, Room F127
Aug. 21, 7 p.m. – Orchestra, Dorothy Menker Theater
Aug. 22, 7 p.m. – Concert Band, Dorothy Menker Theater
Ensembles
The Moraine Valley Chamber Singers explores a wide variety of contemporary singing styles. The group meets Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters. Enrollment is open to any Moraine Valley student. The director of the Chamber Singers is Nicholas Thomas, Fine Arts and Humanities Department Chair.
Credit/Noncredit Options
Degree-seeking and transfer students may enroll in the Chamber Singers for one academic credit hour. Chamber Singers I-IV course codes are MUS-141, 142, 241, 242. First-time ensemble students should enroll in MUS-141 and then enroll in the next numbered course for each subsequent semester. Instructor’s consent is required. Course is repeatable up to four times for academic credit. There is no noncredit course option available for the Chamber Singers; all members must enroll for academic credit.
The Moraine Chorale, a community-based choir with more than 60 members, performs five themed concerts each year including Broadway show tunes, Irish, patriotic, holiday selections and more. The group meets Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. throughout the year. Enrollment is open to anyone with an interest in singing. The director of the Chorale is Nicholas Thomas, Fine Arts and Humanities Department Chair.
Credit/Noncredit Options
Degree-seeking and transfer students may enroll in the chorale for one academic credit hour. Chorale I-IV course codes are MUS-145, 146, 245, 246. First-time ensemble students should enroll in MUS-145 and then enroll in the next numbered course for each subsequent semester. Instructor’s consent is required. Course is repeatable up to four times for academic credit. Non-degree-seeking community members should register for MU4-220-200 (instructor’s written consent required). Registration fee is $25 per academic semester.
The Moraine Valley Concert Band is a 60-plus piece symphonic wind and percussion ensemble comprised of college students, advanced high school students and adult community members. The group meets Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. each week throughout the fall and spring semesters. Enrollment is open to wind and percussion instrumentalists with prior experience in high school or university/college concert band. Seating auditions are held during the second full rehearsal for the semester.
Typical music repertoire includes contemporary concert works, classical transcriptions, Broadway show tunes, and patriotic marches. The group performs several concerts each year, both on and off campus. The director of the Concert Band is Douglass Bratt.
Current Openings
We currently have openings in all instrument sections.
Credit/Noncredit Options
Degree-seeking and transfer students may enroll in the concert band for one academic credit hour. Concert Band I-IV course codes are MUS-175, 176, 275, 276. First-time ensemble students should enroll in MUS-175 and then enroll in the next numbered course for each subsequent semester. Instructor’s consent is required. Course is repeatable up to four times for academic credit. Non-degree-seeking community members should register for MU4-310-200 (instructor’s written consent required). Registration fee is $25 per academic semester.
College-Owned Instruments Available
Concert band members are required to own their own instruments; however, the college does have available several larger and less commonly owned instruments for use by students participating in the ensemble. In all cases students are required to purchase and provide their own reeds and/or mouthpieces.
1 Piccolo (Yamaha)
1 English Horn (Fox 510)
2 Bass Clarinets (Yamaha)
1 Bassoon (Fox III)
1 Soprano Saxophone (Yamaha)
1 Alto Saxophone (Yamaha)
1 Tenor Saxophone (Conn)
2 Baritone Saxophones (Selmer Paris II and Buescher)
2 French Horns (Conn 8D)
2 Euphoniums (Yamaha)
3 BBb Tubas (St. Petersburg and B&S)
Various concert percussion, Latin percussion, drum sets and other percussion instruments
The Moraine Valley Flute Choir is a chamber ensemble that explores flute music from a wide range of eras and styles. Flutists will participate in at least one performance each semester. Enrollment is open to flutists with prior experience in high school or university/college level flute repertoire. The group rehearses on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. in Building F, Room F150 throughout the fall and spring semesters. For more information, please contact the director, Tammi Carlson.
Credit/Noncredit Options
Degree-seeking and transfer students may enroll in the flute choir for one academic credit hour. Flute Choir I-IV course codes are MUS-149, MUS-159, MUS-249, and MUS-259. First-time ensemble students should enroll in MUS-149 and then enroll in the next numbered course for each subsequent semester. Course is repeatable up to four times for academic credit. Non-degree-seeking community members should register for MU4-161-200. Registration fee is $25 per academic semester.
The Moraine Valley Jazz Combos are comprised of college students and community members dedicated to the exploration of small-group jazz improvisation and interaction. Jazz Combo I meets each Tuesday afternoon from 4-6 p.m and Jazz Combo II meets each Thursday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. Enrollment is open to a flexible instrument format, including, but not limited to, winds, strings, percussion, keyboard/piano, guitar, bass, and more. Interested musicians should be strong music readers. Prior experience playing jazz is very helpful. Study and performance includes selections by significant jazz artists, such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Charlie Parker as well as important jazz song forms such as 12-bar blues and 32-bar, A-A-B-A rhythm changes. The director for the Jazz Combo is Mai Sugimoto.
Credit/Noncredit Options
Degree-seeking and transfer students may enroll in the jazz combo for one academic credit hour. Jazz Combo I course codes are Instrumental Chamber Ensemble I-IV, MUS-161-170, 162-170, 261-170, 262-170. Jazz Combo II course codes are Instrumental Chamber Ensemble I-IV, MUS-161-171, 162-171, 261-171, 262-171. Non-degree-seeking community members should register for MU4-311-170 (instructor’s written consent required). Registration fee is $25 per academic semester.
The Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble is an 18-member jazz big band comprised of adult community members, college students, and advanced high school students. This select group of musicians meets Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Fine and Performing Arts Center, Room F127. Interested persons should be proficient music readers who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, bass or drumset. Strong music improvisers are encouraged to join. Prior experience performing in a high school or collegiate jazz ensemble also is very helpful. Auditions for membership and part placement are normally held following the first two rehearsals of the semester. The director of the Jazz Ensemble is Douglass Bratt.
Performances
Typical music repertoire includes songs made popular by such composers as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thad Jones, and Woody Herman. The band also plays more contemporary works for big band by such writers as Bill Holman, Maria Schneider, Bob Minzter, Alan Baylock, Tom Garling, Kris Berg, and others.
Each fall the Jazz Ensemble represents Moraine Valley Community College in the Skyway Jazz Festival, an annual meeting of eight Chicago area member college jazz bands. During the festival each band performs for a panel of judges who are distinguished members of the Chicago jazz community. The Jazz Ensemble performs several concerts both on and off-campus each semester and has opened for such professional groups as the Count Basie Orchestra, The Rob Parton Orchestra and the Brass Tracks Jazz Orchestra.
Guest artists who have performed with the ensemble include:
Orbert Davis, trumpet
Joey Sellers, trombone
Mark Colby, saxophone
Tom Garling, trombone
Joel Spencer, drumset
Art Davis, trumpet
Amber Dawn, vocalist
Meredith McGuire, vocalist
Larry Gray, bass
Doug Stone, saxophone
Mark O’Connor, saxophone
Kevin Fort, piano and trombone
Carl Coan, saxophone & EWI
John Wojciechowski, saxophone
Tito Carrillo, trumpet
Saalik Zyiad, vocalist
Mona Roy, vocalist
Brad Stirtz, vibraphone
Tim Coffmann, trombone
Mark Sonksen, bass
Mai Sugimoto, saxophone
Gerald Bailey, trumpet
James Davis, trumpet
Rich Moore, saxophone
John Moulder, guitar
Victor Garcia, trumpet
Matt Lewis, trumpet/vocalist
Bob Rummage, drumset
Doug Scharf, trumpet
Jim Pugh, trombone
David Hoffman, trumpet
Tom Hipskind, drumset
Sarah Marie Young, vocalist
Luke Malewicz, trombone
Bob Lark, trumpet
David Jennings, drumset
Chad McCullough, trumpet
Kimberly Gordon, vocalist
Reginald “Reggie” Thomas, piano
Liam Teague, steel pan
Myles Hayes, vocalist
Amanda Wolff, vocalist
Christopher Madsen, tenor saxophone
Gina DeGregorio, vocalist
Russ Phillips, trombone
Luke Malewicz, trombone
Mai Sugimoto, alto saxophone
Patrick Williams, bass
Vince Clark, vocalist
Devon Sandridge, vocalist
Jeff Stitely, drum set
Current Openings
Currently, the jazz ensemble has openings in all sections. Instrumentalists with experience improvising over written chord changes are strongly encouraged to join. All new members must audition for placement in the ensemble.
Credit/Noncredit Options
Degree-seeking and transfer students may enroll in the jazz ensemble for one academic credit hour. Jazz Ensemble I-IV course codes are MUS-151, 152, 251, 252. First-time ensemble students should enroll in MUS-151 and then enroll in the next numbered course for each subsequent semester. Instructor’s consent is required. Course is repeatable up to four times for academic credit. Non-degree-seeking community members should register for MU4-308-200 (instructor’s written consent required). Registration fee is $25 per academic semester.
College-Owned Instruments Available
All jazz ensemble members are required to own their own instruments; however, the college does have available several larger and less commonly owned instruments for use by students participating in the ensemble. In all cases students are required to purchase and provide their own reeds and/or mouthpieces.
1 Soprano Saxophone (Yamaha)
1 Alto Saxophone (Yamaha)
1 Tenor Saxophone (Conn)
2 Baritone Saxophones (Selmer Paris II and Buescher)
1 Yamaha 6-ft, grand piano
1 Kay acoustic bass with pickups
1 Fender Jazz electric bass
1 5-piece Ludwig drum set with Zildjian cymbals
Various bass and guitar amplifiers
Various Latin percussion instruments
The Moraine Valley Community Orchestra is an ensemble comprised of college students, advanced high school students and adult community members. The group meets Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. each week throughout the fall and spring semesters. Enrollment is open to strings, wind and percussion instrumentalists with prior experience in high school or university/college concert band. Seating auditions normally are held following the first two rehearsals for the semester. Typical music repertoire includes classical compositions, contemporary concert works and lighter selections. The group performs one or more concerts each semester
The director of the Moraine Valley Community Orchestra is Maryann Flock.
Current Openings
We currently have openings in all instrument sections, however, we have a particular need for string players.
Credit/Noncredit Options
Degree-seeking and transfer students may enroll in the orchestra for one academic credit hour. College-Community Orchestra I-IV course codes are MUS-171, 172, 173, 174. First-time ensemble students should enroll in MUS-171 and then enroll in the next numbered course for each subsequent semester. Instructor’s consent is required. Course is repeatable up to four times for academic credit. Non-degree-seeking community members should register for MU4-307-200 (instructor’s written consent required). Registration fee is $25 per academic semester.
This group of percussionists is comprised of college students, adult community members, and advanced high school students. Each semester, the group performs several concerts both on and off campus. Members need not have a percussion-specific background in order to participate, but should possess intermediate to advanced music reading skills. The director of the Percussion Ensemble is Douglass Bratt.
The music styles explored in this ensemble include: ragtime, classical, popular, Caribbean/Latin, chamber, and jazz as transcribed for this unique instrumentation. Composers’ works performed include: Roland Barrett, John Beck, Thomas Brown, Nathan Daughtery, Lalo Davila, Christopher Deane, Leander Kaiser, Béla Fleck, Ed Freytag, Mark Ford, Mario Gaetano, Lynn Glassock, Josh Gottry, John R. Hearnes, Glenn Kotche, Kevin Lepper, Dave Mancini, Dan Moore, Jeff Moore, Taras Nahirniak, Eugene Novotney, Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Scott Ward and many more.
The percussion ensemble has performed at the 2018 Chicago Arts in the Dark Parade, the Illinois Music Education Convention (IMEC), the Illinois PAS Day of Percussion, Orland Park Public Library, VanderCook College of Music, Lincoln-Way Central High School, as well as Chicago’s Millennium Park.
Special guest artists have included:
Dr. Dan Moore (University of Iowa)
Renzo Spiteri (Malta)
Kassandra Kocoshis (Session Percussionist, Meghan Trainor, Kayne West)
Felipe Fraga (Brazilian percussionist)
Doug Perkins (University of Michigan, Meehan/Perkins Duo)
Ben Wahlund (Northern Illinois University)
Brad Stirtz (Vibraphonist)
Robert Chappell (Professor Emeritus, Northern Illinois University)
Adam Cowger (Joliet Junior College)
James Yakas (VanderCook College of Music)
Nathan Daughtrey (Composer/Performer)
Angela Kepley (Freelance Performer/Educator)
Raychel Taylor (Arcomusical, Girls March)
Juan Pastor (Chinchano, North Central College)
Reed Flygt (Lane Tech High School, Second City Samba)
Michael Kozakis (DePaul University/Carthage College)
Credit/Noncredit Options
Degree-seeking and transfer students may enroll in the percussion ensemble for one academic credit hour. Percussion Ensemble I-IV course codes are MUS-109, 110, 209, 210. First-time ensemble students should enroll in MUS-109 and then enroll in the next numbered course for each subsequent semester. Course is repeatable up to four times for academic credit. Audition for new members is required. Non-degree-seeking community members should register for the Percussion Ensemble noncredit course MU4-309-170. Please note that the director’s permission is required prior to enrolling. Registration fee is $25 per academic semester.
Selected Moraine Valley Percussion Equipment Inventory
Set of 5 Ludwig Grand Symphonic Timpani
Marimba One “Izzy” 5.0 Octave Rosewood Marimba
Marimba One 5.0 Octave Rosewood Marimba
Yamaha 5.0 Octave Rosewood Marimba
Musser 4.3 Octave Rosewood Marimba
Musser 3.0 M55 Vibraphone
Yamaha 3.0 Gold Tour Vibraphone
Musser M50 Rosewood Xylophone
Musser M51 Xylophone
MalletKAT 7 KS MIDI Mallet Keyboard
Ludwig 5-piece Maple Drum set
Mapex 5-piece Meridian Maple Drum set
Black Swamp Sound Art Maple Concert Snare
Various Pearl Symphonic and Philharmonic Snares
8-Piece Yamaha Concert Tom Set
Yamaha/Deagan Orchestra Chimes
Matador Congas (set of 3), Timbales and Bongos
Ron Vaughn Log Drums
Set of LP Brazilian Samba Drums
Large selection of accessory percussion, cymbals and gongs
Audition Information
Director will approve all new members for the Chorale and Chamber Singers. Persons interested in joining this group should plan on attending the first rehearsal of the group they are interested in joining and/or contact the director for more information.
Please note that the band will hold a full, in-person rehearsal to begin the spring session on Thursday, Aug. 22. Please bring your instrument and be prepared to play.
Each semester, all new and returning concert band members are asked to perform a brief audition to determine a balanced seating and part placement for the ensemble. For the fall 2024 semester, these auditions will be held during the second week of the semester on Thursday, Aug. 28 (or as necessary following subsequent Thursday rehearsals). The audition requirements for each instrumentalist are posted below.
Winds
- Sight reading of a short excerpt from a published work for concert band (provided at audition)
- Optional: A short etude or excerpt of your own choosing, no more than two minutes in length. You must bring one extra copy of your audition music for the adjudicator.
Percussion
- Sight reading of a short snare drum and/or mallet excerpt from a published work for concert band (provided at audition)
- A prepared etude on snare drum or mallets of your own choosing, no more than two minutes in length. You must bring one extra copy of your audition music for the adjudicator.
There is no formal audition process for the Jazz Combo. The director will give approval for all new members. Interested persons should plan to attend the first rehearsal or contact the director for more information.
Summer 2024
Please note that the band will hold a full, in-person rehearsal to begin the summer session on Tuesday, June 11. Please bring your instrument and be prepared to play.
For the summer semester, auditions will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, following the first, full rehearsal. Due to add/drop deadlines, all students who are newly enrolled in the course for academic credit MUST audition at the conclusion of the first rehearsal. New noncredit (community) members may choose to audition either Tuesday, June 11, or at the conclusion of rehearsal the following week, Tuesday, June 18. For the summer 2024 session, both old and new members must perform an audition for placement with the group. The audition requirements for each instrumentalist are listed below:
Saxophone, Trumpet and Trombone
- Sight-reading of a short excerpt from a published work for jazz big band
- Optional "extra credit" - improvise two to three choruses over Bb or F blues
Guitar
- Sight-reading of a short excerpt from a published work for jazz big band
- Optional "extra-credit" - improvise two to three choruses over Bb or F blues, comping chords "Freddie Green Style" the first time, play a solo the second and third time
Piano
- Sight-reading of a short excerpt from a published work for jazz big band
- Optional "extra-credit" - improvise two to three choruses over Bb or F blues comping chords the first time, play a solo the second and third time
Bass
- Sight-reading of a short excerpt from a published work for jazz big band
- Optional "extra-credit" - improvise a walking bass line and solo over two to three choruses of Bb or F blues
Drums
- Sight reading of a short excerpt from a published work for jazz big band
- Styles demonstration to include:•Medium swing, trading-fours (~120 bpm)
- Up-tempo swing, trading-fours (~240 bpm)
- Ballad with brushes (~75 bpm)
- Demonstrate a Rock or funk groove trading-fours (~95 bpm)
- Demonstrate a bossa nova groove (~80 bpm)
- Demonstrate a Latin groove (i.e. samba, songo, mambo) tempo to be at drummer’s discretion
Fall 2024
Please note that the band will hold a full, in-person rehearsal to begin the spring session on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Please bring your instrument and be prepared to play.
For the spring semester, auditions will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, following the first, full rehearsal. Due to add/drop deadlines, all students who are newly enrolled in the course for academic credit MUST audition at the conclusion of the first rehearsal. New noncredit (community) members may choose to audition either Tuesday, Aug. 20 or at the conclusion of rehearsal the following week, Tuesday, Aug. 27. For the fall 2024 session, both old and new members must perform an audition for placement with the group. The audition requirements for each instrumentalist are listed below:
Saxophone, Trumpet and Trombone
- Sight-reading of a short excerpt from a published work for jazz big band
- Optional "extra credit" - improvise two to three choruses over Bb or F blues
Guitar
- Sight-reading of a short excerpt from a published work for jazz big band
- Optional "extra-credit" - improvise two to three choruses over Bb or F blues, comping chords "Freddie Green Style" the first time, play a solo the second and third time
Piano
- Sight-reading of a short excerpt from a published work for jazz big band
- Optional "extra-credit" - improvise two to three choruses over Bb or F blues comping chords the first time, play a solo the second and third time
Bass
- Sight-reading of a short excerpt from a published work for jazz big band
- Optional "extra-credit" - improvise a walking bass line and solo over two to three choruses of Bb or F blues
Drums
- Sight reading of a short excerpt from a published work for jazz big band
- Styles demonstration to include:•Medium swing, trading-fours (~120 bpm)
- Up-tempo swing, trading-fours (~240 bpm)
- Ballad with brushes (~75 bpm)
- Demonstrate a Rock or funk groove trading-fours (~95 bpm)
- Demonstrate a bossa nova groove (~80 bpm)
- Demonstrate a Latin groove (i.e. samba, songo, mambo) tempo to be at drummer’s discretion
There is no audition required for this ensemble. Interested members should have high school or above reading skills. Persons interested in joining this ensemble should contact the director for more information.
There is no formal audition process for the Percussion Ensemble, however the director will evaluate the individual music skills and potential for success of each new member on a case-by-case basis. Interested members should possess intermediate to advanced music reading skills and have a strong desire to learn. A percussion-specific background is not required. Many current and former members have been pianists, wind players, etc. Please contact the director for more information.
There is no formal audition process for the Moraine Valley Community Orchestra, however the director will evaluate the individual music skills and potential for success of each new member. Interested persons should possess intermediate to advanced music reading skills. Please contact the director for more information.
If a prospective member would need to or like to audition please prepare:
- Two contrasting excerpts to be performed after first or second rehearsal if needed for seating auditions
- Sight reading of a short excerpt from a published work (provided at audition)
