Performing Ensembles
- Symphonic Chorus, Concert Choir & SonoVoce
- Voice & Opera/Music Theatre
- Symphony Orchestra
- Symphonic Wind Ensemble & Concert Band
- Instrumental Repertory
- Percussion & Inprovisation Ensemble
- Concert Jazz Ensemble
- Guitar Ensemble
- Brass Music
- Chamber Music
- Rock Collegium
- Faculty - Jazz Ensemble
- Faculty - Navarro Trio
- Faculty - Sonoma Musica Viva
The Department of Music regards active music-making to be an essential part of the college experience. SSU ensembles are open to all students, regardless of major.
Ensembles count as one unit of credit. Most, but not all, require auditions. To provide this experience, the department offers a wide range of ensembles both vocal and instrumental. Music majors (performance, jazz studies, liberal arts, and music education) must declare a major performance medium (instrument or voice) upon entering their program of study. Music major is required to be in one major performing ensemble during each semester of residence.
Check out the Performing Ensembles listed below (and linked on the left) for additional information on each ensemble.
Performing Ensembles
SonoVoce is the premier choral ensemble at Sonoma State University and is a subset of the SSU Concert Choir.
SSU’s Voice Program promotes a collaborative, supportive environment for individual, artistic, and technical development.
The SSU Orchestra is comprised of the finest string, wind, brass, and percussion students at SSU and of musicians from the broader Sonoma County community.
The Symphonic Wind Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble comprised of the finest wind, brass, and percussion students at SSU.
The SSU Jazz Orchestra is a 17-20 piece ensemble based on traditional big band instrumentation.
The SSU Guitar Ensemble (MUS 326) is an eclectic group performing a diverse repertoire from all eras of classical music.
The SSU Brass Ensemble is a vibrant group of interested trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba players, sometimes augmented by percussion.
This chamber music class offers an opportunity for students to explore and perform classical repertoire for small ensembles.
The twice-yearly Rock Collegium is limited to 10-15 members playing guitars, vocals, bass, drums performing various genres and styles of rock music.
Faculty Ensembles
The SSU Faculty Jazz Ensemble gets together voluntarily for tuning listening skills and exploring ways to refine and inform our improvisations together, whether through free improvisation or straight ahead jazz.
Comprised of violinist Tammie Dyer, cellist Jill Rachuy Brindel, and pianist Marilyn Thompson, the Navarro Trio has performed virtually the entire “standard” piano trio repertoire.
Sonoma Musica Viva was founded in 2010 at SSU as a chamber music alliance dedicated to the recognition of significant works from the 20th and 21st centuries.