All brass students, including non-majors, have the opportunity to perform in a brass ensemble. This is a traditional “classical” ensemble of mixed brass instruments including trumpets, horns, trombones and tubas. This ensemble can range in size and instrumentation from as small as a trumpet trio, to as large as a 12 piece ensemble of mixed brass instruments. The instrumentation and repertoire is solely determined by enrollments and varies from semester to semester. The ensemble is coached by Dr. Danny Miller, Mr. Karl Kemm and/or Dr. Donald Pinson, brass faculty at Del Mar College. This ensemble presents several performances during the semester, including the possibility of run-out concerts in the community.

CHAMBER SINGERS (MUEN 1151)

Chamber Singers is a select vocal ensemble limited in enrollment due to the nature of style and literature chosen. Course work consists of group instruction and rehearsals on advanced specialized literature such as madrigals, small vocal works, chamber music and popular music charts. In addition to two formal concerts per semester, there are public relations performances opportunities as well. Enrollment is open by audition only to vocal majors first and then to singers from other music majors and also to other academic majors. The ensemble meets each semester at 11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

CONCERT CHOIR (MUEN 1141)

The Concert Choir is the primary choral ensemble for vocal music majors and meets during the Fall and Spring semesters at 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It is open also to students from any other field of study. Course work consists of group instruction and rehearsal emphasizing the development and application of basic choral music skills. There is concentration on exposure to a variety of styles and languages of standard choral repertoire and the full spectrum of composers and historical periods. Two formal concerts per semester are usually scheduled.

Master Chorus

New singers are welcome and should call (361) 698-1352 or send an email to mlee47@delmar.edu for membership and registration information.

Dr. Mirae Lee, Director of Choral Activities
(361) 698-1352
mlee47@delmar.edu

The Del Mar College Concert Band is an ensemble with a vision. Made up of both music majors and non-music majors, the band has an open enrollment. The DMC Concert Band performs four major concerts a year (two per semester) as well as for other events including the DMC Honor Band concert, the Music Department "Holiday" concert, DMC commencement activities, and other Music Department events. If you have ever attended one of the band's concerts, you know they are more than concerts - they are events and not to be missed! Many of these concerts are regularly broadcast to a larger audience on television through DMC TV. The ensemble seeks to perform the best music written for winds. This mission includes performing music from the standard band repertory as well as performing new works. The last concert of each school year is dedicated to playing these newer works and this concert is a key part of the DMC Music Department's newly christened "Composition Symposium."

Annually members of the Concert Band participate in the TCCBDA All-State band in conjunction with the TMEA Convention. Other such opportunities include performing with the CBDNA Small School Intercollegiate Band in conjunction with that organization's semi-annual national convention.

All Concert Band concerts are free and open to the public. All performances are held in the Richardson Performance Hall and begin at 7:30 p.m.

Abel Ramirez, Director
(361) 698-1608
aramirez136@delmar.edu

The Monday-Wednesday-Friday Jazz Band rehearses on Monday and Wednesday from 2:30-3:50 p.m. and on Friday from 11-11:50 a.m. Membership in the MWF Jazz Band is by audition only and the group performs multiple times throughout each semester.

History

The Del Mar jazz program began in 1972 with the addition of stage band to the college curriculum by David Irving. In 1975 the MWF Jazz Band began its annual guest artist series, bringing some of the greatest names in jazz to the Del Mar campus for concerts and clinics. Since then the band has performed with such jazz luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Lee Konitz, Urbie Green, Carl Fontana, Bill Watrous, Lou Marini Jr., Ed Shaughnessy, Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, and Bobby Shew.

Although most of the bands' performances are close to home, they have done their share of travel. In addition to its recruitment concerts throughout South Texas the MWF band has toured Europe, performing at the prestigious Montreux and North Sea jazz festivals. Mr. David Irving, founder of the Del Mar College jazz program, retired in 2017.

Abel Ramirez, Director
(361) 698-1608
aramirez136@delmar.edu

Mariachi Del Mar is the "official" mariachi of Del Mar College. The ensemble performs both traditional and contemporary mariachi styles and performs regularly both in their own concerts as well as for special events on and off of campus.

Luz Valdez, Director
lvaldez54@delmar.edu

For information about the Corpus Christi Municipal Band, contact Ed Avila at 361-549-4675 or edward.avila01@gmail.com.

Who are we? The Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra at Del Mar College is made up of auditioned instrumentalists from the Corpus Christi area as well as music majors at DMC.

When do we rehearse? The full orchestra meets Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00 PM. The college orchestra also meets Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:50.

When do we perform? The orchestra gives concerts in September, November, April and June.

Where do we perform? All concerts are in the Wolfe Recital Hall located in the Del Mar College music building (corner of Ayers and Kosar).

How can you join us? Please contact R. Todd Ehle before registering at (361) 698-1223. Community members can register through Continuing Education by calling (361) 698-1328. The course title is Music for Community. The course number is MUSP-1043. For music majors or students wanting credit for the course: Normal registration is required and a Tuesday rehearsal from 1-2:50 p.m. is mandatory. The course title is Concert Orchestra, and the course number is MUEN-1122-150.

R. Todd Ehle, Director
(361) 698-1223
tehle@delmar.edu

The percussion program at Del Mar College has an incredible amount to offer incoming freshman and transfer students. The Del Mar Percussion Ensemble extends training in chamber music performance of new and arranged works from traditional through the avant-garde. It is the premier chamber group in South Texas.

I would be happy to discuss your personal goals and needs. If you would like to arrange a time to visit with me on any matter, please feel free to contact me, Dr. Neil Sisauyhoat, at (361) 698-1623 or nsisauyhoat@delmar.edu.

Studio Overview

The Percussion Studio at Del Mar College, like every area in the program of music, offers developmental opportunities which extend far beyond the bounds of weekly, private lessons. Training in basic motion studies, snare drum, timpani, mallets, drum set, multiple percussion, world percussion and recital preparation is offered. If you want an excellent percussion experience, this is the place!

Facilities

Our percussion facilities include two locked practice rooms devoted exclusively to percussion student practice. An inventory that includes virtually every percussion category and over 600 works of percussion literature, are available for study and practice. At Del Mar, having access to the finest instruments will help develop your sound concepts. The Music Technology Lab gives students access to the equipment and the expertise needed for a quality electronic percussion education. In the traditional realm, we have a well stocked inventory of drums, timpani, stands, accessories and keyboards including two beautiful MarimbaOne instruments: a low C (5 Octave) and a low E (4.6) in addition to standard Musser and Deagan low A's.

Guest Artists

Del Mar College also offers an opportunity to hear and meet some of the best musicians in the world. In the past, we've had clinics, master classes, and concerts by Peter Erskine, Kenny Aronoff, Janis Potter, Keiko Abe, Leigh Howard Stevens, George Gaber, Tom Toyama, Marty Hurley, The Hands On'Semble , Chris Hanning, Lalo Davila, Rebecca Kite, Richard Flores, Ron Samuels, Tony Edwards, Lamar Burkhalter, Battu, Submedia, Virtual Max, Warren Johnson, Sandip Burman, Nancy Zeltsman, Sherry Rubins, Thomas Burritt, Norman Weinberg, The Meehan/Perkins Duo and SO Percussion Quartet. It is the goal of this percussion studio to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. We strive to instill in each student the highest possible level of performance and education in the various facets of percussion. Each year we strive to bring in the best.

String ensemble provides students the opportunity to study and perform string chamber music (duos, string trios, piano trios, string quartets, and mixed ensembles) composed by the great masters. Chamber groups are formed with the goal of matching students with similar interests, availability, and musicianship skills.  These groups then meet on a regular schedule for coaching with the instructor. In addition, groups rehearse together outside of coaching sessions.  Membership is open only to advanced musicians who are highly motivated and disciplined.