CHORALE GROUPS
Issaquah Chorale
The Issaquah Chorale began in 1991 as a small, non-auditioned ensemble, and has since grown into a polished, fully auditioned chorus and one of the premiere arts organizations on the Eastside. It is known for its innovative and imaginative programming, from its family-style “All-American Independence Celebration,” featuring American music and historical tidbits, to large choral/orchestral works, a capella repertoire, multi-cultural explorations, and jazz and Broadway classics. Its four-concert season is enlivened by conductor Linda Gingrich’s informative concert commentary.
JAZZ BANDS
BCC (Bellevue Community College) Jazz Band
The Bellevue Community College Jazz Band has been in existence since the 1970s. The growth of the program the last two decades has been unparalleled in the Northwest. They took first place honors, or were finalists, at the prestigious Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho, the Fullerton (California) Jazz Festival, and the Reno International Jazz Festival many times. In recent years the band has chosen to seek other more rewarding venues that are both musically and culturally rewarding for our students. Their first European tour took them to Paris, France where they performed at the International University, the Opera House, the Montpernasse Train Station and other venues.
SYMPHONIES