COC Music - Choral Programs

COC Choral Department

The Choral Department at College of the Canyons, under the direction of Julie Lawson, has been growing rapidly over the past six years. We now offer four choirs; all are open to students as well as community members, and all are performance groups.

The College of the Canyons music department is looking for singers for their four choirs. People with intermediate to advanced skill levels are needed for these groups.

According to Julie Lawson, "It is a great opportunity to further develop ones sight singing abilities, improve vocal technique, and become familiar with the wonderful choral literature that is available. We sing music from the Renaissance period through the 20th century, including jazz and pop."

Through the following ensembles, the student learns the relevant issues concerning performance practice and rehearsal techniques. All four groups refine the individual selections to high standards and represent the college throughout the community.

The Voices of the Canyons is a large, mixed voice choir which meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:45. They work on everything from folk songs, spirituals, motets, and cantatas, to larger works for choir and orchestra and everything in between.

The Chamber Singers, also a mixed voice group, is smaller in size and works on music more suitable for a small, intimate gathering. This would include pieces such as madrigals, chansons, jazz, and pop. Group meets MWF from 12-1pm

Les Chanteuses, a women's choir, performs music written specifically for the female voice. Group meets MWF from 11-12pm.

Just Jazz, is a mixed vocal group open to advanced singers with an interest in jazz and learning challenging choral literature. The music ranges from 4-8 parts, with some songs a cappella and others accompanied, usually by a jazz trio. The choir draws some of its repertoire from popular jazz groups like the Real Group, the New York Voices, and the Swingle Singers, as well as some original compositions and music arranged by vocal masters such as Michelle Weir, Jennifer Barnes, Kirk Marcy, and Paris Rutherford. Members are accepted by audition only. E-mail Julie Lawson for an audition time at choirfreak1@hotmail.com. This group meets Thursday evenings from 7-9:45.

Julie Lawson, Director
Lori Marie Rios, Director
Yoko Mizuno, Accompanist

Click for a video sample of The Chamber Singers from their May 18th, 2001 performance.
Windows Media Player Version 10MB
Real Player Version 4MB

Auditions will be held by appointment only.

Please contact Julie Lawson at (661) 254-5848 or e-mail her with any questions or to set up an audition. You may also contact Lori Marie Rios.

Check our calendar for concert information.

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