Pima Music Performs Two Weeks of Concerts, Dec. 1 – Dec. 13

Pima Music Department presents Fall Music Series

Pima Community College – West Campus

Center for the Arts – Proscenium Theatre – 2202 West Anklam Road. 85709

The Pima Community College Music Department presents eight unique concerts showcasing the different ensembles and groups that Pima offers. Each ensemble performs a different repertoire which exhibits what the students have learned through the Fall semester.

• Wednesday, December 1, 7:30 p.m. – Jazz Ensemble
• Thursday, December 2, 7:30 p.m. – Wind Ensemble
• Friday, December 3, 7:30 p.m. – Guitar Ensemble
• Saturday, December 4, 7:30 p.m. – Orchestra
• Sunday, December 5, 7:30 p.m. – Chorale & College Singers
• Tuesday and Thursday, December 7 and 9, 3:45 p.m. – Musical Theatre Workshop
• Monday, December 13, 7 p.m. – Percussion Ensemble

Wed. Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.

PCC Jazz Ensemble, directed by Brice Winston, will feature music from classic big bands such as the Count Basie Band and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Heavy swingers like “Blues In Frankie’s Flat”, written by Frank Foster for the Basie Band, will feature multiple soloists framed by grooving blues riffs, while ballad features written for Duke Ellington’s Orchestra provide lush orchestration to timeless melodies. Add some fun arrangements and complex harmonies by composer and arranger Thad Jones to one original and a classic standard, and you have the makings of a diverse and exciting night of music. A select group of musicians forming a smaller ensemble will start the evening with a few jazz standards. 

Thur. Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.

PCC Wind Ensemble, led by Victor Valenzuela, will present a concert that represents many countries and genres. From original compositions for Band, excellent arrangements from both the Operatic and Symphony world, a Spanish classic that turns into a fiery Jazz showcase to two wonderful marches that represent the traditional Band repertoire, the Pima Band invites you to join them in this culmination of a return to live music. Smaller Ensembles from within the Band and a small Brass Ensemble class will also contribute to this concert. Bring a friend and enjoy the work of the fine young musicians that make up the Pima CC Wind Ensemble.

Fri. Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.

PCC Guitar Ensemble, directed by Michael Lich, will perform a riveting and eclectic concert of guitar orchestra works as well as solos and duos. The program will feature a new collection of pieces by former PCC Guitar Director, Philip Hemmo, entitled “The Nine Planets” as well as “Sonata in C Major” by Baroque composer Georg Philipp Telemann and an arrangement of the Korean folk melody “Arirang” by Michael Lich.  The PCC Guitar Orchestra consists of music majors and community members. 

Sat. Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.

PCC Orchestra, directed by Anne Grimes, presents a concert with music featuring an array of styles and genres. The performance includes two South American tangos and works by Handel, Praetorius, Glazunov, Saint-Saens, Rossi, Grieg, Moussorgsky, and featured selection “Adoration” by female African-American composer Florence Price.

Sun. Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. 

PCC Chorale and College Singers, directed by Jonathan Ng, features the mixed voice Chorale singing “When Memory Fades” by Nelson; “Hold Fast to Dreams” by LaBarr and all-time Christmas favorite “Ding, Dong Merrily on High” by Rutter.

The select mixed-voice a cappella choir College Singers performs a group of 20th-century masterpieces – Christmas music, “Cradle Hymn” by Norwegian composer Kim A. Arnesen; “Blue Bird” by Stanford; “The Evening Primrose” by Britten; and “Let My Love Be Heard” by Runestad. 

Small ensembles from both choruses will perform a couple of Broadway favorites – “In the Light of the Virgin Morning” from Jane Eyre by Gordon; “Webber’s Love Trio” by Webber

The final section of the concert features both the Chorale and the College Singers performing a group of pieces accompanied by violins and piano – “The Snow”  and “Fly, Singing Bird” written for women chorus by Elgar; “I’ll be On My Way” for mixed voice by Kirchner.  Christmas favorite – “Wishes and Candles” by Paulus and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by Rutter.

Tues. and Thur. Dec. 7 and 9, 3:45 p.m. (Performed in the Recital Hall)

PCC Musical Theatre Workshop, directed by Dr. Darryl King, will have its end of the semester showcase for two days. Each showing will be different and will feature scenes from “A Chorus Line,” “Wicked,” “Little Women,” “The Beautiful Game,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Spring Awakenings,” and more.  

Mon. Dec. 13, 7:00 p.m. 

PCC Percussion group, directed by Homero Cerón will offer a free concert in the Proscenium Theater.  The program will include Carlos Chavez’s “Toccata” for percussion, and local composer Jay Vosk’s Cadence for snare drums. Other exciting pieces include the theme from Mission Impossible, and some highlights from Georges Bizet’s opera, “Carmen”.

The music program at Pima Community College provides extensive experience and training in all aspects of classical and popular music including classes in theory, history, piano, guitar, studio instruction, music industry, and electronic music, consistent with the first two years of a bachelor’s degree in music. The PCC music program has a reputation for quality instruction and caring faculty.