Sonoma State’s Music Department is a vibrant and welcoming community on campus. With numerous GE courses, ensembles, and performances year-round, the department creates a space for students from all majors to come together and share their love for music. 

There are multiple opportunities for non-majors to get involved in music. The school’s performing ensembles, like Rock Collegium, Wind Ensemble, and Choir, are open to anyone interested. The Concert Band does not require an audition and meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Green Music Center. 

“No matter what your experience level is, we have an ensemble or a class that is a good fit for you,” says Alexander Kahn, professor of Music and Director of Orchestral Activities.

Dr. Kahn conducts the Sonoma State Symphony Orchestra, which includes music majors, non-majors, retired community members, and high school students. Their concert is approaching on September 27 at 7:30 p.m. in Weill Hall.

The Music Department often collaborates with outside groups, from high schools and community colleges to legendary musicians. Last year, the Orchestra did a “side-by-side” concert with the Luther Burbank Mariachi program, and the Wind Ensemble brought in guest composers Shuying Li and Viet Cuong. 

On October 2nd at 7:30 p.m., the SSU Jazz Orchestra is performing in Weill Hall with Mike Clark, one of the world’s foremost jazz and funk drummers. In March, the Wind Ensemble was invited to perform by audition at the College Band Directors National Association Western Division Conference in Reno and will soon embark on a tour. They are currently preparing for their concert on September 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Weill Hall. With around 75 performances each year, the SSU Music Department offers a wide range of opportunities to experience music, and students get free admission.

Looking to fulfill a GE requirement next semester? Sonoma State’s Music Department offers plenty of GE classes, including Music 101 (Introduction to Music), MUS 343 (Jazz History and History of Rock), MUS 150 (Survey of U.S. Music), and Music 350 (World Music). 

Other upcoming ensemble performances include:

• Nov. 14: Concert Choir and SonoVoce, 7:30 pm in Schroeder
• Nov. 15: Rock Collegium
• Nov. 21: Jazz Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 pm in Weill
• Dec. 5: Symphonic Wind Ensemble, 7:30 pm in Weill

Students can stay up to date on upcoming events by subscribing to the department’s newsletter, looking at the event calendar, following @music.ssu on Instagram, or looking out for posters around campus.