Music

Yavapai College’s Music Department offers students opportunities to participate and perform in a number of choral and instrumental ensembles. Classes are also offered in music theory and appreciation and music of world cultures. Private and/or small group instrumental and vocal classes allow students to learn technical skills, music reading and basic music theory.  
 
Choral Music  
Students in the Choral Music area have an opportunity to perform in one of seven different ensembles: Students will build technical skills in singing, read standard choral literature, and sharpen skills needed for public performance. The skills learned and the literature rehearsed are featured in public concerts.  
 
Two public performances per semester are scheduled on the Prescott Campus in the Yavapai College Performance Hall.  
 
Choirs are available on both the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses.  
 
Instrumental Music  
Instrumental Music students have the opportunity to participate in four ensembles: Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Big Band I (Advanced) and Big Band II. Students learn:  
• To perform scales in the common band and orchestra keys.  
• Musical notational symbols and terms.  
• To demonstrate rhythmic patterns in common meters.  
• Concepts of correct pitch, balance, tone quality, style, articulation and precision.  
• To determine concepts of the individual's role in preparation and performance of band music.  
• To perform quality music literature in jazz, popular and classical music.  
 
Instrumental ensembles perform twice a year in the YC Performance Hall and students may also perform in concerts with professional soloists and guest conductors, Music Memory Concerts (for 3,000 grade school children) and student recitals.  
 
Instrumental ensembles and instrumental classes are offered on the Prescott Campus. Instrumental classes are offered on the Sedona and Verde Valley campuses depending on instructors and interest.