Introduced this spring, the class allows students to explore a variety of small ensemble styles, including jazz combos, chamber quartets, rock bands, and commercial groups
Santa Monica College will launch its inaugural SMC Collaboration Showcase with a free concert on Tuesday, June 3, featuring ensemble works from jazz, commercial, and European art music traditions.
The event, showcasing student-arranged and composed pieces, is set for 11:15 a.m. at The Edye Second Space in the SMC Performing Arts Center, located at 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), with free parking available and seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
The performance will feature students from SMC’s newly introduced Music 49 (Combo and Chamber Ensemble) class, led by Professor Jimmy Cheesman and Music Department Chair Brian Driscoll. Introduced this spring, the class allows students to explore, rehearse, and perform a variety of small ensemble styles, including jazz combos, chamber quartets, rock bands, and commercial groups, while addressing practical aspects like equipment and performance logistics.
Driscoll highlighted the class’s innovative approach, noting, “This new class takes us a step closer to closing a gap in our music department’s course offerings for the performance of commercial music.”
He added that students can seamlessly shift between styles, such as singing in a 16th-century madrigal and playing drums or guitar in a modern pop song within the same session, fostering creativity and effective performance techniques.
For more details, contact 310-434-4323.
