Fall 2025 Music & Commercial Music Ensemble

How to participate in an ensemble

All Antelope Valley community members--including all AVC students of any major and current high school students--can participate in any AVC Music and Commercial Music ensembles. There are two options:

1. Enroll (preferred). Apply at AVC.edu then enroll in the class at approximately $46 per unit. Enrolled students will receive college credit. Enrollment should happen as early as possible, but the last date to enroll is at the end of week 2 (the specific date can be found at www.avc.edu/studentservices/adminrec/regdatesupcoming). Students currently enrolled in high school will also need to move through a simple "Special Admit" process: https://www.avc.edu/community/outreach/specialadmit
2. Audit. Auditors pay $15 per unit but do not receive college credit. To participate in an ensemble through auditing, please reach out to the instructor for audition information. The instructor will provide the appropriate paperwork after the class begins. 

MUS 160: Symphonic Band

Description: 1 unit. Each semester, the band prepares music for public performance. Students take part in weekly rehearsals in which they learn how their own parts relate to other harmonies and rhythms occurring simultaneously. The instructor paces each rehearsal such that the performance at the end of the semester is of as high an artistic and technical standard as possible. This course may be taken by all members of the AVC community who wish to improve their instrumental technique and musicianship through participation.

Audition: All students--enrolled and auditing--must audition. Auditions will occur by committee on Monday, August 18 between 7:15 and 10:20 PM. All students needing to audition must register. Registration will be available in the FA3 lobby beginning at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 3. Auditions should take approximately 10-minutes each. Once your audition is complete, you are free to leave. Music is available on the MUS 160 Canvas site (for enrolled students) or will be handed to you upon audition registration (for auditors).

First Meeting: Monday, August 18, 7:15-10:20 PM in FA3-176.

Instructor: Dr. Gary Heaton-Smith, he/him/his, gary.heatonsmith@avc.edu

MUS 166/167/266: Orchestra

Description: 1 unit. Students study and perform orchestral repertoire from many traditions, including the European masterworks of the last five centuries, popular selections, American folk music, and world music. Students receive ensemble performance experience, training in instrumental technique, and music reading, and they gain a practical understanding of the diversity of musical styles. Students are required to obtain approved performance attire for public performances. 

Audition: Audition required; students should enroll in the course and audition information will be delivered to the student on or before the first class session. Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. Please contact the instructor for audition information.

First Meeting: Thursday, August 21, 6:30-9:35 PM in FA3-176.

Instructor: Dr. David Newby, he/him/his, david.newby@avc.edu

MUS 181: Master Chorale

Description: 1 unit. Concert Choir performs madrigals and other music written for small ensemble. Students study and perform choral music, including masterworks from the European tradition of the last five centuries, American music, and music from other folk traditions. In addition to receiving ensemble performance experience and training in vocal technique, students gain a practical understanding of the diversity of musical styles. Students are required to obtain approved performance attire for public performances. 

Audition:  Audition required; students should enroll in the course and audition information will be delivered to the student on or before the first class session. Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. Please contact the instructor for audition information.

First Meeting: Monday, August 18, 7:15-10:20 PM in FA3-162.

Instructor: Dr. David Newby, he/him/his, david.newby@avc.edu

MUSC 170A & 970A: Marching Percussion Ensemble

Description: 1 unit. A course designed to facilitate the rehearsal and performance of marching percussion literature (drumline and front ensemble) suitable for field, parade, and competition.

If you do not wish to take the course for credit, you can take MUSC 970A. This also applies to students who have maxed out their repeatability. No audit option will be available.

Audition:  Audition required; students should enroll in the course and audition information will be delivered to the student before the first class session. Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. If you wish to audit the course, please contact the instructor for audition information.

First Meeting: Monday, August 18, 4:00-7:05 PM in FA3-176.

Instructor: Dr. Gary Heaton-Smith, he/him/his, gary.heatonsmith@avc.edu

MUSC 173: Beginning Jazz Ensemble

Description: 1 unit. A course designed to rehearse and perform jazz ensemble repertoire, chosen by the instructor and changing every semester. Historical and sociological context of the music being studied as well as correct performance of notes and rhythms will be explained in each rehearsal. Each semester, the beginning jazz ensemble prepares music for public performance. Students take part in weekly rehearsals in which they learn how their own parts relate to other harmonies and rhythms occurring simultaneously. The instructor paces each rehearsal such that the performance at the end of the semester is of as high an artistic and technical standard as possible.

Audition:  Audition required; students should enroll in the course and audition information will be delivered to the student on or before the first class session. Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. 

First Meeting: Thursday, August 21, 4:00-7:05 PM in FA3-162. 

Instructor: Lee Matalon, he/him/his, leon.matalon@avc.edu

MUSC 220A: Popular Music Ensemble (Test Flight)

Description: 1 units. A performance class for singers and instrumentalists to present concerts of popular music repertoire (Test Flight).

Audition:  Audition required; students should enroll in the course and audition information will be delivered to the student on or before the first class session. Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. If you wish to audit the course, please contact the instructor for audition information.

First Meeting: Tuesday, August 19, 6:30-9:35 PM in FA3-176.

Instructor: Dr. Gary Heaton-Smith, he/him/his, gary.heatonsmith@avc.edu

MUSC 273: Jazz Ensemble

Description: 1 unit. A course designed to rehearse and perform more advanced jazz ensemble repertoire, chosen by the instructor and changing every semester. Historical and sociological context of the music being studied as well as correct performance of notes and rhythms will be explained in each rehearsal. Each semester, the intermediate jazz ensemble prepares music for public performance. Students take part in weekly rehearsals in which they learn how their own parts relate to other harmonies and rhythms occurring simultaneously. The instructor paces each rehearsal such that the performance at the end of the semester is of as high an artistic and technical standard as possible.

Audition:  Audition required; students should enroll in the course and audition information will be delivered to the student on or before the first class session. Students should have at least high school level performance experience in the course medium. 

First Meeting: Wednesday, August 20, 7:15-10:20 PM in FA3-176.

Instructor: Lee Matalon, he/him/his, leon.matalon@avc.edu