Submitted by The South Puget Sound Community College
The South Puget Sound Community College Orchestra is now available to both students and community members. Previously offered solely through the Community Education program, the SPSCC Orchestra is a new a multi-generational orchestra made up of community musicians and credit-bearing students enrolled in the college.
Led by Music Professor Charles “Chip” Schooler, a 30-year veteran of teaching music at Timberline and Olympia high schools, the Music Program at South Puget Sound Community College now offers for-credit and community education classes culminating in a performance orchestra. Schooler is excited for the evolution of the orchestra.
“This kind of community music making, beyond high school, is my dream,” Schooler said of the opportunity to re-envision the orchestra. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for music making in the greater Olympia community.”
Several options exist for classes for both students and community musicians. Students can now take such offerings as String Ensemble I (MUSC 125), Wind Ensemble I (MUSC 140), and Orchestra I (MUSC 160). Community musicians may explore classes that reach a wider range of talents, including Adult Entry-Level Orchestra (F391) and SPSCC Orchestra (F258).
“We now have the opportunity to help give all these wonderful musicians a place to play,” Schooler said of the expanded offerings.
For more information about enrolling in for-credit courses, contact Enrollment Services at (360) 596-5241, via email at enrollment@spscc.edu, or in person on the Olympia campus at the Center for Student Success. For more information about enrolling in community education courses, contact Program Manager Stephen Rousseau at (360) 596-5744, via email at srousseau@spscc.edu, or at Hawks Prairie Center. Any general questions regarding the SPSCC Orchestra can be directed to Schooler via email at cschooler@spscc.edu, or by phone at (360) 596-5244.
