Now with six performing ensembles, the music program at Lone Star College–Montgomery is working to deliver a season full of professional-quality performances that are right at the fingertips of the community.

Audiences can look forward to a diverse lineup of concerts from the concert choir, chamber singers, jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, and its newest group, the symphony orchestra, which altogether feature more than 100 performers.

Students are rehearsing for a multitude of performances in October featuring all ensembles in concerts and small recitals, including a full choir concert Oct. 17.

"[Rehearsals are] going great," director of bands Kris Chapman said. "Students always get overwhelmed at the beginning of the semester, but now we're starting to solidify and the sound is coming together."

Chapman said each group varies in size and plays a repertoire that fits their style, which ranges from chamber and orchestral music to swing, rock and funk.

The ensembles perform a full season of concerts throughout the year as well as several community performances at local high schools, churches and retirement homes, culminating in the college's annual holiday benefit concert, which will be held Dec. 5 to raise money for Interfaith of The Woodlands.

This year marks the second year of performing for the symphony orchestra and the program's third in its new music hall.

Chapman said the program started with a choir ensemble about 10 years ago, but with a growing community and student population, there was a need to offer more.

Support from the college administration and surrounding community led to the expansion of the program's ensembles and facilities. Last spring, students registered for the program's first orchestra course and participated in the symphony orchestra, making LSC–Montgomery the only campus in the LSC System to have a student-only orchestra.

In 2011, the music program moved into a new 20,000-square-foot facility that houses a recital hall, band and choir rehearsal halls, piano lab, practice space, and classrooms. Chapman said the new buildings have been instrumental in attracting more students and guest artists perform, and making quality performances easily accessible to the community.

Upcoming performances

• Oct. 10 Symphonic Band and String Ensemble concert
• Oct. 17 Fall Choir Concert
• Oct. 18 Recital hour, composition and lecture with Kyle Kindred
• Nov. 15 Recital hour, with Vincennium Void
• Nov. 26 Jazz Ensemble concert
• Dec. 5 Holiday Benefit Concert*

*Concert held in Mainstage Theater in Performing Arts Center, 1 p.m.

LSC–Montgomery music, 3200 College Park Drive , Conroe, 936-273-7021

Events begin at 7:30 p.m., except where noted

www.lonestar.edu/montgomery-music-departmentv