With the cultural season opening in September, Daytona State College’s School of Music, Entertainment and Art invites local musicians to join the Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra or Jazz Ensemble. No fees are required for participation unless college credit is desired.
The DSC Community Symphonic Band, developed in the spirit of the old John Philip Sousa Bands, performs traditional and modern classics, as well as marches, Broadway hits and movie selections. The band welcomes community members who can read music and play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument to join an outstanding 65-piece concert ensemble. The 26th season of the band will commence with an open rehearsal, including new and returning members, on Monday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. on the Daytona Beach Campus in the Theater Center (Bldg. 220), room 219. Rehearsals are held every Monday from 7 to 9:50 p.m.
Under the baton of Dr. Norton Christeson, senior professor, the Daytona State College Symphony is comprised of members from the greater Volusia County area, with players coming from as far away as Altamonte Springs and Palm Coast. It functions as the only full-sized community symphony orchestra in the area and presents three major concerts per season.
The orchestra will hold its first rehearsal of the season on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. on the college’s Daytona Beach Campus in the Theater Center, room 219. Regular Tuesday night rehearsals continue in preparation for the fall concert featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8. The concert is scheduled for Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m. at the college’s News-Journal Center.
The College Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Peter Waidelich, associate professor, is open to community members who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, drums or assorted percussion instruments. Rehearsals begin for another season on Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 7 to 9:50 p.m. on the college’s Daytona Beach Campus in the Theater Center, again in room 219.
This group is a traditional big band and performs five or six times per year, including an annual appearance at the Lakeside Jazz Festival in Port Orange. The group also is the beneficiary of one of the finest audio-engineering programs in the state and, as such, recording opportunities are available. Recently they recorded with the lead alto saxophonist of the Big Phat Band, Sal Lozano. Regular weekly rehearsals are scheduled throughout the year on Wednesday evenings.
Rehearsals are typically held on the Daytona Beach Campus located at 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. and performances are held at the college’s News-Journal Center located at 221 N. Beach Street, Daytona Beach.
The performing arts programs at Daytona State prepare students for a future in music, drama and dance while also providing entertainment opportunities for the community through a variety of events produced each semester. Proceeds from tickets are used to support the Performing Arts Scholarship program at Daytona State. For more information about upcoming performances, visit www.DaytonaState.edu/TheArts.
For more information on the Symphonic Band, call Douglas Peterson, band conductor and chair of the School of Music, Entertainment and Art, 386- 506-3276 or petersd@DaytonaState.edu. or Waidelich, associate professor, 386-506-4690.
The contact for the Symphony is Christeson, 386- 506-3339 or christn@DaytonaState.edu
For information on the Jazz Ensemble, contact Waidelich, , who can also be reached by email at waidelp@DaytonaState.edu.