Group Classes & Ensembles

Explore a standard jazz repertoire in a dynamic, participatory setting. The advanced ensemble plays the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, and others; with emphasis on communicating as an ensemble, improvising, phrasing, groove, and dynamics to make the music come alive. There will be a culminating performance at Community Music Center at the end of each quarter. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz standards, be-bop, blues, Latin jazz Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, mastery of scales, and prior experience in improvisation. Admission with instructor’s consent. New students will be asked to audition. Instructor: Patrick Greene Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

In this class participants will learn about the history of the Afro-Peruvian Cajon (wooden box drum), and will learn to play Afro-Peruvian rhythms on the Cajon. The Afro-Peruvian Cajon has become a symbol of identity and cultural pride for Peruvians. Currently it is the most popular instrument in Peru, practically every family on the Peruvian coast has a Cajon at home that is part of their celebrations. Furthermore, we can recognize the versatility of this instrument that has allowed it to successfully position itself in world music, being one of the most used alternatives in the percussion sets of various artists Instruments: Cajon (percussion) Musical Styles: Afro-Peruvian Ages: Adults and older teens Prerequisites: none Teacher: Pierr Padilla Cajons will be provided during class sessions. If students have their own cajon, they are welcome to bring it! Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Class sections that are open to new students will appear with a “Register Now” button. All other classes are for continuing students only.

Beginning Vocal Ensemble Join this fun and supportive environment to learn basic vocal and breathing technique, how to support your tone, beginning note reading skills, simple harmonies, and rounds. This beginning singing class is designed for singers with little to no experience. It is focused on group singing, but also incorporates individual singing. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instrument: Voices of all ranges Musical Styles: Folk, popular, jazz Instructor: Ellen RobinsonMask requirement: Masking is optional. For those who do choose to wear a mask, the Resonance 95 Singers Mask is recommended. It allows for fully opening your mouth and breathing deeply, both of which are necessary for proper singing.Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

Intermediate/Advanced Vocal Ensemble For vocalists who love to harmonize in a wide variety of musical styles such as jazz, musical theater, and pop. Enjoy interacting with other singers in this lively chorus while continuing to develop your vocal technique, music reading skills, blending with other voices and your stage presence. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instrument: Voices of all ranges, especially baritone and tenor Musical Styles: Jazz, Broadway, a cappella, pop Prerequisites: Music reading skills, the ability to sing in tune, and hold your own while singing in three-part harmony. Previous choral experience is a plus. Prior approval of instructor is required. Instructor: Ellen Robinson Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a 50% discount on this class tuition.Get to know Anything Goes! See photos/video from a recent performance here.Mask requirement: Masking is optional. For those who do choose to wear a mask, the Resonance 95 Singers Mask is recommended. It allows for fully opening your mouth and breathing deeply, both of which are necessary for proper singing.Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Learn chords, simple strums, and tuning in a fun, relaxed group setting. You’ll be introduced to the basic elements of rhythm and harmony that will help you to play music right away! Guitar 1 is for the absolute beginner.Students will learn:Basic open position chords: A, D, E, G, C, Am, Em, A7, B7, D7, E7, G7Basic strums in 4/4 and 3/4 timeI-IV-V tunes in A, D, G, and EKnowledge of how to read a “lead sheet”The desire to keep playingAges: Adults and older teens (high school students) Instruments: Guitar Musical Styles: Diverse, based on participant interests Prerequisites: none Instructor: Sandy Brassard Size: 4-6 studentsThis class prepares you for Guitar Group Class - Learning Songs, Bluegrass Jam, Blues Workshop and other Group Guitar and Mixed Instrument ensemblesStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

CMC offers jazz ensembles for players of all levels. Explore jazz repertoire in a dynamic, participatory setting.The Beginning Jazz Ensemble focuses on building standard repertoire, improvisation concepts, and developing ensemble skills. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz standards, be-bop, blues, Latin jazz Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, knowledge of scales, and some experience in improvisation. Instructors: Erick Peralta, Charlie Gurke, David Steinberg, Max Miller-LoranStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Learn beginning vocal technique and interpretive skills in a fun group setting. You’ll gain experience learning to sing in healthy ways by focusing on body alignment, breath management, and vowel formation. This class will support a student’s process in stylistically interpreting a piece of music through additional research and study. Topics and activities for classes include exploring the singing apparatus, vocalizing with exercises using scales and arpeggios, interpreting music and text, developing stage presence, and working with a collaborative pianist or backing track. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Musical Styles: All styles are welcome Prerequisites: Students must be prepared to learn and memorize music and text Instructors: Michael Mohammed, Nicole Lumetta Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling. This class prepares you for Vocal Harmony Workshop, Anything Goes Chorus, Great Songs of Soul and R&B, Gospel Vocal Ensemble and/or other mixed instrument ensembles that include vocals.

This Electric Blues workshop will introduce students to the wide variety of blues grooves that one might encounter at a blues jam. We'll listen and learn from the recordings performed by the original artists that define a particular groove e.g., a Magic Sam boogie, an Albert King blues rhumba/mambo, a Jimmy Reed shuffle, a B.B. King jump blues, a Muddy Waters 'mojo' groove, a Lowell Fulson 'tramp' groove, and much more. Ensemble playing and individual improvisation will be encouraged with a focus on group interaction and the supporting role each individual instrument plays in establishing the groove. Ages: adult, older teens (high school) Instruments: guitar (electric), bass (electric), piano, drums, brass/woodwinds Prerequisites: Intermediate playing proficiency on your instrument, ability to play 7th and 9th chords (barred for guitars), have some major scale and blues scale knowledge, read a simple chord chart Instructor: Larry Dunn Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Learn traditional Afro Brazilian rhythms in a unique group setting. You will have a chance to study the techniques that makeup this musical language which has influenced other well known Brazilian musical styles such as samba and samba reggae. While some techniques are similar to that of the conga or djembe, the hand and stick techniques in this tradition will lead you into new sonic territories. This class will introduce you to many duplet and triplet based rhythms along with areas that are a mixture of the two and exist in between common rhythmic divisions. Students will gain insight into how this music fits into the song and dance context and how these elements combine to create a captivating atmosphere which is an essential cultural practice linking West Africa to the Americas. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Musical Styles: All styles are welcome Prerequisites: Students must be prepared to learn and memorize several rhythmic patterns along with several hand and stick techniques Instructor: Robert Lopez Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

An Ensemble Camp for Young Musicians Make great music and new friends at Community Music Center this summer! Camp CMC offers young musicians the chance to play in small and large groups and explore many musical styles such as Latin, jazz, classical, blues, folk, rock, American songbook, and klezmer. Students are grouped into ensembles by instrument and level and learn general musicianship skills with rhythm and pitch games, playing percussion instruments, singing and movement, culminating in a performance at the end of the week. Ages: 9–14 Instruments: All instruments, and voice Styles of music studied: Classical, Latin, jazz, other Prerequisites: Minimum two years of study on an instrument and concurrent enrollment in private lessons (not necessarily at CMC). Vocal students may fulfill the requirement by participating in chorus or glee club. Students will be asked to send a 2–3 minute video of a scale and favorite solo piece to the camp director as a placement audition. Camp size: A maximum of 25 students working in large and small ensembles Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Monday–Friday, June 15–19, 2026, 9:00am–3:00pm Faculty: Katie Wreede, Director; David Steinberg, Coach additional faculty TBA Tuition: $520 early bird pricing before February 28, 2026; or $565 after February 28, 2026. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available. Additional Information:How to enroll: Please fill out the Camp CMC Questionnaire to submit your information and follow the links to pay your deposit online. The Camp Director will contact you after you submit your application with information about how to prepare and send the 2–3 minute audition video. Payment: A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your application to hold your spot and request an audition. In the event that your child is not accepted into camp, a full refund including the deposit will be made. For students who are accepted to camp, this deposit is non-refundable If you do not pay for the entire camp tuition at registration, the remainder of your fee will be due by May 9, 2026. Outstanding balances will be automatically charged on May 9, 2026 to the stored account added during registration. If you wish to pay using a different payment method, please make the payment before the pay-in-full date.  If you would like to change your payment method, please contact us. Registrations not paid in full by May 9, 2026 may be canceled and the spot opened to our waitlist.  Registrations after May 9, 2026 must be paid in full at the time of registration and are nonrefundable.To apply for tuition assistance, please submit a Tuition Assistance Application Form and accompanying documents.The application deadline is May 9, 2026 for all CMC camps, but we recommend applying early to ensure placement. Because camp is designed around the exact number of campers attending, we are unable to issue refunds after May 9, 2026. Prior to the May 9 deadline, please send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org. “Performing at the end of camp was fun! I wasn’t nervous because I knew what to do.” —CMC camper

Whether you are an advanced beginner or an accomplished amateur musician, CMC’s chamber music program offers an opportunity to develop your musicianship and technique as well as the chance to play with others. Groups are composed of three to five students of compatible levels. Advanced beginners and intermediate students will focus on developing basic ensemble skills, intonation, tone quality, and rhythmic accuracy. Advanced students will study important aspects of ensemble playing, including interpretation and performance techniques. For those who are new to music we have an Intro to Chamber Music class to learn the various ways chamber musicians communicate, listening tuning and ensemble skills necessary for a successful chamber experience. Groups are formed for students of varying degrees of experience and can include piano, strings, and winds musicians This is a great opportunity to create lasting friendships as well as great performing groups! Pre-formed groups are highly encouraged! Ensembles who would like to perform will have the opportunity to sign up for a regular CMC recital. Ages: Adults, Older Teens (high school students) Instruments: All and voice Musical Styles: All Prerequisites: Students should have at least two years of experience playing their instrument. Placement auditions for new students take place at the beginning of each quarter in order to create groups who play at similar levels. Beginning students should be familiar with key signature with up to three sharps and flats, and basic rhythms including eighth notes. Class size: 3–5 students Instructors: Josepha Fath, Diane Grubbe, Leo Baluk, Karlson Can, Michaela Overall, Monika Gruber Gibbons, Katrina Wreede, Shirley Wong-Frentzel, Ben Snellings, Lilia Zheltova Location, Day, and Time: Mission District Branch OR Richmond District Branch. Hour-long rehearsals/coachings are scheduled based on mutual availability.Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read Community Music Center's registration policies before enrolling.For more information, please contact: Katrina Wreede, Chamber Music Coordinator: kwreede@sfcmc.org Online signup for this class is unavailable. Please fill out the Chamber Music Inquiry Form to get started.

Children discover their voices and learn to sing with a group in the Children’s Chorus. Students are introduced to musical skills to become careful listeners, better singers, and build confidence in an environment that emphasizes cooperation, teamwork and fun. With a patient and supportive approach to learning music, children are encouraged to express themselves and develop a lifelong love of singing. No experience is required to sing in this free chorus. Ages: Children ages 8-12 Instrument: Voices of all ranges Musical Styles: Popular, jazz, multicultural folk, show tunes, originals Prerequisites: A strong desire to sing and families committed to supporting their children’s experience Instructor: Beth Wilmurt Tuition for the Children's Chorus is fully covered by a scholarship grant, making it free to students. There is a $15 quarterly registration fee. Please read Community Music Center's registration policies before enrolling.

An a cappella group that sings pop music from different eras. Join CMC's first a cappella group! We'll sing fun and challenging arrangements of pop music, learn how to blend our voices and emulate different instruments, strengthen our musical ears, and help you become a stronger singer overall. Ages: Adults Instrument: Voices of all ranges (tenors, basses and vocal percussionists highly encouraged) Musical styles: Pop, folk, and more! Prerequisites: Ability to sing in tune. Ability to read music is preferred but not always necessary. No previous a capella experience is required. Entrance by audition. Instructor: Nena Aldaz What to Expect When Auditioning: Once you submit your Prerequisite Form, the instructor will schedule a short audition with you (either in-person or over Zoom)—but there’s nothing to be intimidated about. This just gives you the opportunity to showcase what you can do, both as a solo singer and as part of a group, and make sure you’ll fit in well with the other ensemble voices. The audition structure is as follows (less than 20 mins):Warm-ups to hear your rangePitch matching exercises to test your musical earSing arrangement part to see how well you learn arrangements outside of class. You’ll be sent music and a practice track ahead of time. Sing your solo to show what you can do! Q & A Mistakes are ok— we’re not looking for perfection! The instructor would rather you demonstrate that you’re a singer who is aware of their mistakes and tries to correct them. Feel free to ask additional questions when you submit your prerequisites. Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling. Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Intro to Piano, Guitar, Songs, and Musical Discovery!These fun camps jumpstart your musical journey, introducing beginners to the joys of music-making, musical concepts and fundamentals of instrument playing in a fun supportive environment. CMC Sparks Camp will give students an introduction to piano and guitar, as well as activities including singing, rhythm and making music together. Using a mix of fun and interactive exercises, games, and age-appropriate repertoire, students will build confidence and learn to play and sing simple melodies and play music as an ensemble.Ages: 8–12 Prerequisites: No instrumental or vocal experience needed. Camp size: A maximum of 14 students working in large and small ensembles Location, Day and Time: Each session is one week, the same material is offered each week. Mission District Branch; Monday–Friday, July 6–10, 2026; 9:00am–3:00pm Mission District Branch; Monday–Friday, July 13–17, 2026; 9:00am–3:00pm Faculty: Sharon Wayne, and Zahra Rothschild Tuition: $520 early bird pricing before February 28, 2026; or $565 after February 28, 2026. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available. Additional Information:Payment:A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your registration to hold your spot. If you do not pay for the entire camp tuition at registration, the remainder of your fee will be due by May 9, 2026. Outstanding balances will be automatically charged on May 9 , 2026 to the stored account added during registration. If you wish to pay using a different payment method, please make the payment before the pay-in-full date.  If you would like to change your payment method, please contact us. Registrations not paid in full by May 9, 2026 may be canceled and the spot opened to our waitlist.  Registrations after May 9, 2026 must be paid in full at the time of registration and are nonrefundable. To apply for tuition assistance, please submit a Tuition Assistance Application Form and accompanying documents. The application deadline is May 9, 2026, but we recommend applying early to ensure placement. Because camp is designed around the exact number of campers attending, we are unable to issue refunds after May 9, 2026. Prior to the May 9 deadline, please send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org.

Learn how to play and sing traditional Mexican music at CMC’s 2026 Mariachi summer camp! This group is perfect for 9 – 12 year olds who love to sing and wish to learn basic guitar skills within the Mariachi music tradition. For guitar, students will work on several chords and traditional strumming patterns and apply them to Mariachi songs. Singers will work on intonation, pronunciation, and memorization. All students will sing and play guitar. This camp will be taught bi-lingually (Spanish/English) by experienced Mariachi teachers and provide a cultural immersion in the Mariachi tradition. In addition to skills building, and learning songs from the Mariachi music tradition, CMC Sparks Mariachi students will work with CMC Mariachi Camp students in large group musical activities. These include working on rhythms, singing in Spanish, enjoying live performance and culturally relevant arts and crafts activities, and playing music together for the last day of camp performance. Ages: 9 – 12 Instruments: Guitar, Voice Prerequisites: Willingness to sing in Spanish and learn basic guitar skills.Camp size: 15 people Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch: Monday - Friday , June 29 - July 3, 2026, 9:00am - 3:00pm Faculty: Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, director; Zahra Rothschild, Nena Aldaz, coaches Tuition: $520 early bird pricing before February 28, 2026; or $565 after February 28, 2026. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available. Additional Information:Payment: A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your registration to hold your spot. If you do not pay for the entire camp tuition at registration, the remainder of your fee will be due by May 9, 2026. Outstanding balances will be automatically charged on May 9, 2026 to the stored account added during registration. If you wish to pay using a different payment method, please make the payment before the pay-in-full date.  If you would like to change your payment method, please contact us. Registrations not paid in full by May 9, 2026 may be canceled and the spot opened to our waitlist.  Registrations after May 9, 2026 must be paid in full at the time of registration and are nonrefundable. To apply for tuition assistance, please submit a Tuition Assistance Application Form and accompanying documents. The application deadline is May 9, 2026, but we recommend applying early to ensure placement. Because camp is designed around the exact number of campers attending, we are unable to issue refunds after May 9, 2026. Prior to the May 9 deadline, please send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org.

JAZZ INTENSIVE SUMMER 2026 Hone your improvisation skills, expand your repertoire, and have fun jamming with your fellow musicians! This intensive will focus on small group playing and improvisation. Students will have the opportunity to learn from CMC faculty through masterclasses, guided listening, small group rehearsal and performance, and jam sessions. By popular demand from last year’s intensive, more hours of playing and master classes are included in this year’s workshop. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz standards, be-bop, blues, Latin jazz Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, mastery of scales, preliminary knowledge of basic jazz chords, i.e. major, minor, diminished, half-diminished, and augmented and prior experience in improvisation. Admission with instructor’s consent. Students will be asked to audition, by submitting a video (or audio recording) in which you play a jazz standard or blues, playing the melody, improvising over the form of the tune and then playing the melody. If you are a drummer or bassist, please play time for the form of the melody, improvise for a chorus and then play time for the melody. If you have a recording of yourself from a recent performance, please feel free to share that in lieu of a new recording. Some workshop groups will receive music in advance, more advanced students will not receive music in advance. Please mark in your questionnaire if you would like to receive music in advance. Workshop Size: maximum of 20 participants Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch, July 31, August 1, August 2 Friday, July 31 6- 8pm, Saturday and Sunday August 1, August 2 10 - 5pm Instructors: Charlie Gurke, Camp Co-Director, Erick Peralta Co-Director, Other faculty tbc Additional Information:How to enroll: Please fill out the CMC Summer Jazz Intensive Questionnaire to submit your information and follow the links to make your deposit online. Directions on how to upload your video audition will be shared upon the completion of your camp questionnaire in a confirmation email. Please be sure to title your video with your first and last name. Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling. Tuition: $525 early bird pricing before February 28, 2026; or $565 after February 28, 2026. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available.Payment: A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your registration to hold your spot. If you do not pay for the entire workshop tuition at registration, the remainder of your fee will be due by May 23, 2026. Outstanding balances will be automatically charged on May 23, 2026 to the stored account added during registration. If you wish to pay using a different payment method, please make the payment before the pay-in-full date.  If you would like to change your payment method, please contact us. Registrations not paid in full by May 23, 2026 may be canceled and the spot opened to our waitlist.  Registrations after May 23, 2026 must be paid in full at the time of registration and are nonrefundable. To apply for tuition assistance, please submit a Tuition Assistance Application Form and accompanying documents. The application deadline is May 23, 2026, but we recommend applying early to ensure placement. Because camp is designed around the exact number of participants attending, we are unable to issue refunds after May 23, 2026. Prior to the May 23, deadline, please send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org.

Jazz Today, a contemporary Jazz ensemble, invites students to explore the music of today’s hottest jazz artists from around the globe. We will draw from the repertoire of some of the most talented and creative musicians on the scene such as Robert Glasper, Esperanza Spalding, and Kamasi Washington who are honoring the tradition of this artform while also pushing the boundaries into new and unexpected territory. In addition to improvising within the framework of these compositions, we will also work extensively on creating unique and dynamic arrangements meant to solidify and expand each musician's role within the ensemble. Vocalists are also welcome and highly encouraged to join regardless of improvisation experience. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz, R&B, and Hip Hop Prerequisites: must be able to read standard music notation and chord charts and have a basic understanding of jazz improvisation concepts Instructor: David Steinberg Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling. Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

A chamber choir that sings the music of Spain and Latin America Sing beautiful baroque, classical and folk music from Latin America and Spain in a small choir setting. Learn how to sing in Spanish, Latin, and several dialects from the Americas in different styles ranging from the 13th century to modern folk styles. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instrument: Voices of all ranges Musical Styles: Baroque, classical, and folk music from Mexico, Spain and South America Prerequisites: Ability to sing in tune and read music. Spanish fluency not required. Entrance by audition. Instructor: Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, Director; Michaela Overall, AccompanistStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a 50% discount. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

This class combines a performance-based approach with an overview of Afro-Cuban rhythms, song forms, structure, and improvisation, tracing the evolution of Cuban popular dance music from the 1920s to contemporary styles. Students will learn key rhythms and ensemble techniques essential toAfro-Cuban music, exploring how the clave and percussion parts relate to each instrument’s role within the group. Through hands-on performance, students will develop their understanding of musical form, ensemble interaction, and improvisation within the style. Learn, perform, and refine skills across a variety of Cuban and Cuban-inspired dance music styles, including cha-cha-chá, danzón, guaracha, songo, timba, bolero, son montuno, salsa, and other Afro-Cuban genres. Both instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome. This class will have an opportunity to perform once/quarter. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Voice, woodwinds, brass, violin, cello, bass, piano, and percussion (bongo, congas, guiro, claves, and timbales) Musical Styles: Cha-cha-chá, danzón, guaracha, bolero, son, songo, timba, salsa, and other Afro-Cuban music Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, reading skills, and interest in Latin music. Admission with instructor’s consent. Instructor: Tregar OttonStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

An advanced ensemble course focusing on the traditional and modern charanga or típica format, while also incorporating other woodwinds and brass instruments. Students will learn, perform, and deepen their skills in a range of Cuban and Cuban-inspired dance music, including cha-cha-chá, danzón, guaracha, songo, timba, bolero, son montuno, salsa,and other Afro-Cuban genres. Charanga ensembles traditionally feature violin and flute in place of brass instruments (though modern charangas often include trumpets andtrombones), along with bass, piano, vocals, and Afro-Cuban percussion. Students will gain insight into the history of Cuban music and ensemble performance practices in a dynamic, rehearsal-style environment modeled after professional bands. All students are encouraged to improvise. This class will have an opportunity to perform once/quarter. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Voice, woodwinds, brass, violin, cello, bass, piano, and percussion (bongo, congas, guiro, claves, and timbales) Musical Styles: Cuban salsa, charanga, and other Afro-Cuban music Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, reading skills, and interest in Latin music. Prior participation in CMC's Cuban Charanga Ensemble I, or performance with an Afro-Cuban music group is a prerequisite for this class. Admission with instructor’s consent. Instructor: Tregar OttonStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!