Chorus
Dr. Jon Bassett, director
The FC Chorus performs a wide variety of both sacred and secular literature. Each spring, the ensemble conducts a weeklong tour to different parts of the country, from Texas to D.C. International tours are planned bi-annually as a chance for students to compete at choral festivals and to enhance their worldwide appreciation of music and the arts.
Chorus auditions take place Sunday afternoon and evening immediately before classes begin for the fall semester. At the audition, students can expect to:
- Sight-read the soprano, alto, tenor, or bass line of a hymn. You will have one minute to practice it on your own before you sing it for your audition.
- Sing the melody of “This Is My Father’s World” beginning on your choice of either C (lower voices) or Eb (higher voices).
- Hear a series of four to five notes played on the piano. You will sing them back on a neutral syllable (e.g. “la”) to test your tonal memory skills.
Wind Ensemble
Brian Rainwater, director
The FC Wind Ensemble performs high-quality literature composed for professional and collegiate ensembles. Our students enjoy this opportunity of performing advanced music with fellow students and local musicians. In addition to Fall and Spring concerts, they perform at home men’s varsity basketball games as the Falcon Pep Band. Members of Wind Ensemble also have the opportunity to play in the pit orchestra for the annual spring musical.
There is no audition required for participation in Wind Ensemble. Students may complete an audition if they would like to be considered for a Band Scholarship.
String Ensemble
Dr. Jon Bassett, director
The FC String Ensemble performs a variety of repertoire from Baroque to contemporary. In addition to Fall and Spring concerts, String Ensemble often joins Chorus on its spring tour and performs at social functions around the community. Members of String Ensemble also have the opportunity to play in the pit orchestra for the annual spring musical.
Students who have previous experience with private string lessons or school string ensembles may register for String Ensemble. No audition is required to participate in String Ensemble, but students may audition for chair position.
Chamber Ensemble (Instrumental)
Jessica Moore, director
Piano majors, along with any vocalist or instrumentalist interested in performing music for small ensembles, are encouraged to register for Chamber Ensemble.
There is no audition required for participation in Chamber Ensemble.
Musical Theater Ensemble
Tim Moore, director
Musical Theater Ensemble is a group of singers that performs repertoire from various musicals. Although mostly comprised of Musical Theater majors, it is open to vocalists from any discipline. This ensemble is only available in Fall semesters.
There is no audition required for participation in Musical Theater Ensemble.
Chamber Singers
Tim Moore, director
Chamber Singers is a select group of skilled singers and sight-readers; it is comprised of mostly vocal majors but can also include students from all disciplines. Their repertoire spans the history of music, from Renaissance madrigals to vocal jazz and everything in between. This ensemble is only available in spring semesters.
When students audition for Chorus, they are also considered for placement in Chamber Singers. Following Chorus auditions, the director of Chamber Singers will contact individuals for further conversations and a possible second round of auditions.
Jazz Ensemble
Brian Rainwater, director
The Jazz Ensemble performs many kinds of music, including swing, Latin, rock, and funk. This ensemble is a great means for unique self-expression while exploring various popular styles.
There is no audition required for participation in Jazz Ensemble. Students may complete an audition if they would like to be considered for a Band Scholarship
Accents
Molly Taylor, director
Accents is an a cappella group that performs a wide range of popular genres, including pop, country, and jazz.
Friends
Dr. Jon Bassett, director
The Florida College Friends is a pop/rock cover band that performs several times a year in concerts, school functions, and community events. They also tour every summer to perform in different parts of the country, including at Florida College summer camps.
Friends auditions take place Monday evening immediately before classes begin for the fall semester. Students will prepare to sing or play two songs on their desired instrument. Students have the option to sing or play along with a karaoke track, as long as the instrument or voice being auditioned on is not present in the track. If a student wishes to audition on more than one instrument, they may play one song on each instrument, or they may sing and play at the same time.
Unplugged
Molly Taylor, director
Unplugged is an acoustic band that performs folk, country, and other similar styles. In addition to concerts and school functions, Unplugged often performs for FC Alumni Events. They also conduct a short summer tour every year.
Together with Friends auditions, Unplugged auditions take place Monday evening immediately before classes begin for the fall semester. Students will prepare to play or sing two songs on their desired instrument. Students have the option to sing or play along with a karaoke track, as long as the instrument or voice being auditioned on is not present in the track. If a student wishes to audition on more than one instrument, they may play one song on each instrument, or they may sing and play at the same time.