These are some of the musical organizations that you may want to consider participating in while at Dutchess. You can receive one credit for each of these ensembles.  Click here for a visit to the Music Program Photo Gallery.

If you have prior singing experience consider enrolling in the Dutchess Community College Chorus (MUS 121/122). This is a large vocal ensemble of mixed voices that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM. The chorus is under the direction of Adjunct Professor of Music, Dr. Laura Russell.  This group usually performs one off-campus concert and one on-campus concert each semester. The chorus is a lot of fun and is a good way to make new friends during your first year in college! The Chorus rehearses in Dutchess Hall, Room 217. I invite you to attend the first meeting of the semester even if you have not registered for the chorus. If you decide to join, you can always add the Chorus to your schedule.

The Dutchess Madrigal Singers (MUS 151/152) is a smaller group of more experienced singers drawn from the members of the Chorus. Participation in this group is by audition. You must sing in the DCC Chorus to be eligible for the Madrigal Singers. The auditions are held during the second week of Chorus rehearsal. This group sings entirely a cappella music and also sings concerts on and off-campus. The Madrigal Singers are under the direction of Adjunct Professor of Music, Dr. Laura Russell.  The group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 PM to 1:20 PM in Dutchess Hall, Room 217.

The DCC Jazz Ensemble (MUS 131/132)  meets on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM to  9:00 PM in Dutchess Hall, Room 209. We always need trumpets, trombones, and saxophones. We perform a concert at the end of the semester in Dutchess Theatre and sometimes at other less formal events.

If you play an orchestral instrument, consider registering for Orchestra (MUS 136/137). The orchestra rehearses on Wednesday evenings between 7:30 to 9:30 PM in Dutchess Hall, Room 209. An alliance between Dutchess Community College and the Mid-Hudson Community Orchestra makes it possible for qualified student orchestral musicians to play in the orchestra for credit. The orchestra presents concerts both on and off-campus. String players are particularly encouraged to participate. The orchestra is under the direction of Adjunct Professor of Music, Richard Simons.

Guitar players are eligible to play in the DCC Guitar Consort (MUS 143/144). This group of all acoustic guitars rehearses on Tuesdays from 5:00 - 6:50 PM in Dutchess Hall, Room 209 and is under the direction of Adjunct Professor of Music, Jeffrey Armstrong. You may contact him for more information at 431-8624.

We also provide private instruction in piano for credit (MUS 141/142) and other instruments (MUS 161/162). If you have any questions about the musical activities at DCC please contact me at the beginning of the semester. Best of luck in your studies at Dutchess Community College.

Kelly Conner
Assistant Professor of Music
conner@sunydutchess.edu