Choral/Vocal Studies at Phoenix College are comprised of five outstanding performance ensembles, plus voice classes and private instruction:
This ensemble (formally known as the Voices of Phoenix College) has been entertaining the Phoenix community under various conductors for over 60 years. Highlights of their history include participation in concerts in Hawaii, New York City, San Francisco, Reno, and San Diego. Previous directors have been such luminaries as Dr. Harvey Smith, Kay Poore, and Dr. J. Edmund Hughes.
A chorus of mixed voices (SATB) singing a mix of musical styles and periods, accompanied and unaccompanied, we welcome all interested singers with or without previous experience. Rehearsals are held Monday through Thursday during regular school hours. Participants are eligible for scholarship money at the end of each semester as a thank you for representing the college through music.
ProCantus is the auditioned chamber choir at Phoenix College. Primarily an a cappella ensemble, the choir performs music of all genres from Renaissance to jazz. In addition to the PC choral concert season, ProCantus regularly sings at area high schools, community centers, and assisted living facilities, acting as the premier outreach group for choral studies. Scholarship money is available for eligible individuals at the end of each semester.
For audition information, contact Dr. Kenny Miller.
Established in 1960, the Phoenix College McConnell Singers Women's Choir has become a fixture in the Valley of the Sun arts community. They are a dedicated ensemble of singers whose mission includes providing women of various backgrounds and musical abilities the opportunity to share their voice and experience a variety of repertoire written primarily for treble voices. It is also the choir's mission to serve the community by performing high caliber music with artistry, commitment, spirit, musical attention and presence. Additionally, through community service and outreach, the choir brings choral music to audiences who might not otherwise have access to this art form.
The choir's repertoire includes music of all eras, genres, and styles with emphasis on promoting new works created for women's choirs. Travel highlights include tours of the Czech Republic, the British Isles, and Hawaii. Each spring the choir sponsors the McConnell Singers Vocal Arts and Choral Composition competition awarding scholarships to music students at Phoenix College.
Women who wish to join the ensemble are asked to contact Dr. Miller for more information.
In fall 2007, Phoenix College began a mixed community chorus, performing a variety of choral literature for various public performances.
Those interested in joining the ensemble may contact Dr. Kenny Miller for more information.
Vocal studies can be achieved through either private studio work or class voice participation. Professors Nina Cole, Ryan Downey, Catherine Dockendorff, and Dr. Kenny Miller conduct both voice classes and private lessons.
The class format allows each student to learn from the progress of other students in the class, while the private lesson format allows for in-depth focus on techniques and interpretational skills.
While no previous experience is required, students will find that these skills improve with repetitive use and attention.