Performing Groups
Performance is an integral part of Douglas College's music offerings. The College's performing groups have established a reputation for excellence throughout the province and across Canada through concerts, recordings and festival appearances. In addition, there are many opportunities for solo and small group performance in recitals, master classes and at off-campus events.
Admission to all groups is by audition, and is based on available seats. All Douglas College students and community members are welcome to audition. Ensembles can be taken for credit, audit, or through the Community Music School. For information about participating in an ensemble, or if you are a secondary school teacher who would like to have a Douglas College group perform for your students, please contact Blair Fisher at 604-527-5272, or fisherb@douglas.bc.ca.
Choral Groups
Vocal students and those with an interest in choral music will sing in the College Chorus and/or Chamber Singers, under the direction of Eric Hannan. These groups rehearse music from all periods and perform regularly at the College and off-campus. Community members wishing to join a choral group that rehearses in the evening may wish to enquire about the Choral Society, under the direction of Alison Nixon.
Concert Band
This group rehearses and performs intermediate to advanced repertoire, in a variety of musical styles. The Douglas College Concert Band has performed at many festivals and conferences - highlights include achieving a Gold award at MusicFest Canada, and first place at the B.C. Festival of the Arts.
Most rehearsals and performances take place in the acoustically superb Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre. Community members are welcome to audition, both afternoon and evening rehearsals are scheduled to accommodate a variety of schedules.
The Douglas College Dues Band
Primarily comprised of full-time Douglas College Music students, this group is also a regular contributor to the College's jazz recordings. They rehearse and perform classics from the jazz tradition along with more modern material.
Note: Students wishing to become music educators are strongly advised to take at least one jazz elective.
The Douglas College Night Band
The Night Band is the College's premier jazz ensemble, consisting of the top College music students and experienced professionals. This group has performed at conferences, schools and festivals across the country, including the International Association of Jazz Educators conference.
The link below provides recordings produced by the Douglas College Night Band. If you are a prospective student or music teacher, and would like a complimentary copy, or are interested in purchasing CDs or LPs, please contact Jazz Band director Blair Fisher at 604-527-5272 or fisherb@douglas.bc.ca.
Recordings by The Douglas College Night Band.
Jazz Combos
Small jazz groups offer a valuable addition to big band rehearsals and performances - these are sometimes formed as part of the jazz band class, or are put together by students outside class hours.
As is the case with the chamber ensembles above, playing small group jazz is an extremely valuable experience for any student, and develops self-reliance and improvisation skills. These groups also are often in demand for paid performances throughout the year.
Small Ensembles
Each year, depending on the number of students enrolled on each instrument, a number of small ensemble chamber groups are formed. Shown at left is a brass quintet that was hired on a summer grant to rehearse and play concerts in the school and the community.
Small ensembles can be either coached by faculty or run by students. Either way, the unique demands of playing in a chamber ensemble, without a conductor, provide valuable experience for students. A number of these groups often find part-time work playing for College and community functions.