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Orchestra
The Smith College Orchestra is conducted by Jonathan Hirsh and is open by audition
to students with prior instrumental training. It rehearses one evening per week,
with occasional extra rehearsals and sectionals as needed to prepare for performances.
The ensemble performs the classics of the orchestral repertoire, including key
pieces from the Classical and Romantic periods, as well as 20th-century works,
some composed by Smith faculty and staff. The orchestra performs several times
each year, both in concerts featuring exclusively orchestral repertoire and in
those where the orchestra combines forces with the Glee Club or other campus ensembles
for to explore works such as Orff's Carmina Burana and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
For more information about the Orchestra, please contact the group's conductor,
Jonathan Hirsh, at jhirsh@smith.edu or visit the Orchestra website.
Visit
the Orchestra's Web site >
Jazz Ensemble
This recently formed ensemble rehearses once a week for two
hours and plays music designed to teach jazz ensemble concepts
(phrasing, articulation, swing feel) as well as give improvised
solo space for all members. Though favoring the typical "Big
Band" instrumentation (including vocalist), other instruments
are welcome on an "as-needed" basis. Performing
a minimum of four times each academic year, the group counts
tunes as done by Basie, Ellington, and Sinatra plus more contemporary
tunes among its repertoire. The group accepts members with
all levels of prior jazz training. Directed by Genevieve Rose.
Visit
the Jazz Ensemble's Web site >
Wind Ensemble
Rehearsing once a week for one and a half hours, this ensemble
provides Smith students with the chance to explore the standard
(and less-standard) wind ensemble repertoire. Recent performances
have included music of the Beatles, Bach, Galbraith, Del Borgo
and Sousa. Instrumentalists of all abilities are welcome to
audition, and certain wind ensemble members also play in the
orchestra. Directed by Deanna Joseph.
Gamelan
The Smith Gamelan is a performance group dedicated to the study of Central Javanese gamelan, one of the great musical traditions of Indonesia. The group was founded in 1995 as a way to introduce Five College students to this unique musical tradition and it is directed by Margaret Sarkissian, Associate Professor of Music, and Sumarsam, a master of the Javanese music tradition and Adjunct Professor of Music at Wesleyan University. The group meets once a week during the school year and presents a performance at the end of each semester. Membership in the Smith Gamelan is open to students, staff, and faculty of the Five College community. Questions can be directed to Professor Margaret Sarkissian at (413) 585-3198 or msarkiss@smith.edu. |
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About
the
Department
The Major
The Minor
Performing
Groups
Smith
Chamber Ensemble
Student
Instrumental Ensembles
Student
Vocal
Ensembles
Faculty & Staff
Facilities
Sage Hall
Calendar
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