The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts
Ensembles
Chamber Orchestra
Varying in size, this conducted ensemble performs major works from all eras, with an emphasis on recently-composed music.
African Music Ensembles
Instruction in the performance of authentic traditional music and dance of West Africa. These include singing in the language and playing percussion instruments indigenous to the area of origin.
Alphonso Johnson Combo
Jazz ensemble under the direction of Jazz Electric Bass faculty member Alphonso Johnson.
Balinese Gamelan
Instruction in the techniques of playing Balinese instruments, collectively called the Semar Pelgulingan.
Bach Aria and Baroque Chamber Ensemble
Period-specific performance studies for instrumentalists and vocalists.
Chamber Ensembles
A variety of project-driven chamber ensembles are formed each semester, with faculty members and students often playing side-by-side in these groups.
Chamber Singers
Study and performance of literature for small groups of singers from several historical periods, sometimes one on a part.
Contemporary Vocal Ensemble
Study and performance of literature from the 20th and 21st Centuries for small groups of singers. Studies of compositions by CalArts students and faculty are included.
Creative Music Electronic Ensemble
Works with the interactive languages and improvisational forms of live electronic music with a focus on music technology and interactive improvisational music.
Creative Orchestra
A group designed primarily to perform the works of students in the graduate Jazz program. Also performs works by jazz and creative music masters.
Gender Wayang Ensemble
Small ensemble performances by quartet of metallophones as accompaniment to Balinese shadow plays.
Gong Suling: Balinese Flute Ensemble
Studies of Balinese flute ensemble music, with sixteen bamboo flutes of varied sizes and percussion instruments.
Improvisation Ensembles
In leaderless ensembles, using structured and unstructured improvisational forms, the groups strive to develop collective and individual voice. Regular performances are presented.
Jazz Ensembles
Small jazz groups under the direction of Jazz Studies Faculty perform regularly on concerts at the Institute.
Javanese Gamelan: Kyai Doro Dasih
Instruction in playing and singing in the central Javanese classical orchestra, a traditional Eastern art form that integrates dance, drama and music.
Machine Orchestra
Ensemble members write software, build interactive controllers, control robotic systems, project graphics, and perform live interactive music in a networked system.
Multi-Focus Ensemble
Cross-disciplinary ensembles in which students from various programs within The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts may combine for special projects.
Music and Video Ensemble
An ensemble exploring the relationship of video image and sound in the context of experimental composition and improvisation, using techniques such as computer networking and programming for performance, wireless cameras and transmitters, infrared video, streaming video, and multi-screen projection.
New Century Players
An ensemble made up of Faculty performers and selected student musicians devoted to the exploration and exposition of emerging languages in contemporary music. The ensemble frequently collaborates and performs with distinguished guest performers and composers. Regular concerts of advanced student compositions are presented.
North Indian Music Ensemble
Vocal and instrumental performance studies using both Indian and European instruments.
Opera Theater Performance Project
Innovative opera and music-theater productions produced in tandem with the School of Theater.
Sonic Boom
An ensemble/band between avant-garde rock, noise, ambient, new music and other things that fall between the cracks. Explores the hidden tradition of experimental rock music.
Tabla Ensemble
The CalArts Tabla Ensemble is a performing ensemble that draws from the vast repertoire of North Indian tabla, ranging from classical to folk and traditional to contemporary.
Calabash Drum Ensemble (Women only)
Individual and small group instruction on the techniques of this unique African instrument, the Calabash drum.
Vinny Golia Large Ensemble
Large ensemble performing compositions and structured improvisations under the direction of faculty member Vinny Golia.
Woodwind Ensemble
A performance ensemble dedicated to studies of works for woodwinds. Audition preparation and woodwind fundamentals are also covered.
World Percussion Ensemble
An experimental performance group that works toward combining instruments and musical structures from various cultures, integrating improvisation, composition and performance practice.
Most of the ensembles described above are active every year. Additional ad hoc ensembles are frequently convened by students and/or faculty.
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