Performing groups

Douglas College's performing groups have a reputation for excellence throughout the province and across Canada through concerts, recordings and festival appearances. In addition, the College offers many opportunities for solo and small group performance in recitals, master classes and at off-campus events. Admission to all groups is by audition and is based on available seats. All Douglas College students and community members are welcome to audition. Ensembles can be taken for credit, audit or through the Community Music School.

Choral Groups

Vocal students and those with an interest in choral music will sing in Chorus (the large choir) or Chorale (the select chamber choir). These groups rehearse music from all periods and perform regularly both at the College and off-campus. Community members are welcome to join through the Community Music School.  Entrance to both choirs is by audition.

Concert Band

This group rehearses and performs intermediate to advanced repertoire in a variety of musical styles. The Douglas College Concert Band has performed at many festivals and conferences; highlights include achieving a Gold award at MusicFest Canada and first place at the B.C. Festival of the Arts. Most rehearsals (Wednesday evenings) and performances take place in the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre. Community members are welcome to audition and can join through the through the Community Music School.

Douglas College Jazz Ensemble

Primarily comprised of full-time Douglas College music students, the Jazz Ensemble rehearses and performs classics from the jazz tradition along with more modern material. Rehearsals are held on late Thursday afternoons in the Laura C Muir Theatre. Community members are welcome to audition and can join through the Community Music School, by permission of the instructor.

Fusion Bands

Fusion Band provides an opportunity for students to rehearse and perform various styles of music both instrumental and with vocals, under the guidance of the music faculty. Intended primarily for students in the Music Technology Diploma Program, but open to Music Diploma and Foundation for Music Therapy Studies Diploma students depending on enrollment. Students will be placed into ensembles of varying sizes and instrumentation and will rehearse 2 hours, once a week. All ensembles will perform in department recitals and concerts

Small Ensembles

The unique demands of playing in a chamber ensemble without a conductor is a valuable experience for students. Each year, depending on the number of students enrolled on each instrument, several small ensemble chamber groups are formed and coached by faculty.

Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble is made up of both College music students and members of the community. The group performs a great variety of musical styles, with a repertoire ranging from world drumming to contemporary percussion music, from Latin music to electronic-based percussion music. The ensemble has frequently been invited to share its music with the community, notably appearing at festivals to play for high school music students.

Community members can inquire through the Community Music School.

Contact Us

For information about participating, please contact the Performing Arts Office at commmusic@douglascollege.ca, or contact Eric Hannan at hannane@douglascollege.ca for choirs specifically.