Small, dusty rectangular boxes that resemble boxed sets of 7-inch vinyl discs fill shelves all around the room. The beige boxes all hold complete scores of works that City College’s choral and music department have drawn from for their performances. Bookshelves fill half of the room, nearly reaching the ceiling. According to music major Dennis Saenz, there are well over 1,000 pieces in the archive.

In PAC 118, surrounded by the library of written music, Mayling Lopez, a music major who was appointed Vocal/Choir Outreach Coordinator toward the end of 2019, and Saenz both work with the vocal/choral program as Federal Work Study students. Their duties include tending to the archive of music and facilitating communications between instructors, students, other parts of the music department and maintaining outreach to the public about upcoming performances.

“We put our musicals in concert format. It’s a more simplified version of acting,” Lopez said of the “Sweeney Todd” concert being performed by the choral department in May.

Saenz and Lopez both auditioned to take part in the musical. Saenz, who played Clopin Trouillefou last year in the choral program’s performance of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” landed the role of Beadle Bamford in the upcoming performance.

“During my six semesters here, I’ve been completely involved with the music department and spent a lot of time learning and performing,” Saenz said of his studies as a music major.

For new students who might choose a music major, Saenz emphasized the importance of taking music theory, applied music, instrument lessons (including voice) and being involved in a large ensemble.

Accompanist Heather Waid suggested the musical for the department’s spring performance. Waid and Professor Daniel Paulson held auditions for “Sweeney Todd” Feb. 6. 

On City College’s website, students and music enthusiasts can view a calendar of events to see what kinds of performances are happening in the upcoming season. The City College Choirs also maintain Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts in addition to posting event notices in Sacramento Magazine.

Advanced students enrolled in the choir program have a recital coming up at the end of this month. Some students have picked what they’ll be performing and are preparing for the event. In addition, there will be at least two additional recitals this semester.

“We’re all gearing up for it,” Saenz added, noting that he had his piece chosen. 

Lopez added that “Dennis is one of our vocal mentors here,” having mentored voice students since last semester.

After the Advanced Recital, City College’s choir will join the Sacramento Youth Symphony for a performance in April. The concert will include instrumental and choral performances from classical performers such as Beethoven and others.

Looking beyond the spring performance, Lopez said that each fall, the choral program performs across the street from City College at the All Saints Episcopal church during their music festival. Students who visit the waterfront in Old Sacramento might also see carols being performed annually by the City College choir.

All performances listed below will be in PAC 106. Recitals are all open to the public with free admission.

Tickets and details on additional performances can be found on the City College website or the Sac City College Choir Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.