Performing Ensembles

The OCC Chamber Singers, a select ensemble of approximately 30 voices directed by Eliza Rubenstein, is our most advanced and accomplished chorus. The ensemble has recently been called "spectacular" and "outstanding" by adjudicators—a testament to its members' hard work and serious commitment to a high level of technical and musical achievement. The Chamber Singers' repertoire is diverse and challenging; the ensemble has made mutliple performances at Carnegie Hall, including the 2017 Carnegie premiere of Kirke Mechem's choral-orchestral cantata Songs of the Slave. The Chamber Singers rehearse on Monday and Wednesdays from 12:00 to 1:35, and a full-year commitment is required. Admission is by audition during the first week of the fall semester. If you'd like to know more about joining the OCC Chamber Singers, contact Eliza at erubenstein@occ.cccd.edu​​​.

The OCC Chorale offers singers at many different levels of ability and experience the opportunity to sing high-quality repertoire and learn the art and craft of choral singing! The ensemble includes voice majors, community members, students with no prior choral experience, and more. The Chorale performs a wide variety of music, including choral-orchestral works with the OCC Symphony. The Chorale, directed by Kelly Self, rehearses on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:45 to 3:15. Admission is by informal audition during the first week of the semester. To learn more about the Chorale, contact Kelly Self at kself@cccd.edu​.​

The OCC Wind Ensemble is our community band! Some of its members have been in the group for 15 years or more. Each semester the Wind Ensemble gives a Sunday-afternoon concert in the Robert B. Moore Theatre, and during the fall semester, the Wind Ensemble also celebrates the final week of classes with a holiday concert in the Student Center. During the spring semester, in addition to the spring concert, the Wind Ensemble plays for Commencement at the Pacific Amphitheatre the 16th week. The Wind Ensemble meets on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:45 p.m. Instrumentalists interested in joining the Wind Ensemble are encouraged to contact Dana Wheaton at dwheaton@occ.cccd.edu or (714) 432-5985.

The Guitar Ensemble performs music in a variety of styles, led by instructor of classical guitar Adam Pettit.  The group meets on Mondays from 7:00 to 9:05 p.m. and performs at least one concert per semester, often in collaboration with renowned guest artists. Interested guitarists are encouraged to contact Dr. Pettit at apettit@occ.cccd.edu.

OCC's Jazz Improvisation Ensemble is designed for both the beginner and the experienced improviser. Each semester the group gives a Sunday-afternoon concert in the Robert B. Moore Theatre, and the last two meetings of each semester are devoted to creating a studio recording along with OCC's Recording Techniques Workshop and instructor Dennis Anderson. The Jazz Improvisation Ensemble rehearses on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Instrumentalists interested in joining the Jazz Improvisation Ensemble are encouraged to contact Dana Wheaton at dwheaton@occ.cccd.edu or (714) 432-5985.

The Jazz Lab Ensemble and Studio Jazz Ensemble​ are part of OCC's Jazz and Commercial Music Studies Program. For over thirty years, this world-renowned program was headed by the legendary jazz educator, Dr. Charles Rutherford, and was instrumental in cultivating the careers of countless music industry professionals. Those who have passed through the ranks of the bands at Orange Coast College include Cecilia Coleman, Mike Fahn, John Ferarro, Brandon Fields, Tom Kubis, Bill Liston, Eric Marienthal, Dan St. Marseille, Ron Stout, Greg Vail, Doug Webb, and Albert Wing. The Orange Coast College Jazz Ensembles have performed with many jazz notables including Oscar Brashear, Pete Christlieb, Don Ellis, Dewey Erney, Bruce Eskovitz, Stephanie Haynes, Joe Locke, Andy Martin, Don Menza, Oscar Peterson, Bobby Shew, Bill Watrous, and Ernie Watts. Admission is by audition during the first week of the semester. Interested performers may contact Paul Navidad at anavidad@occ.cccd.edu​ or (714) 432-5692​ for more information.