Celebrate a Week of Music at Saint Mary’s College of California

In store for the first week of December: Chamber Players and Concert Ensemble in the Chapel on Thursday. Jazz Band in the LeFevre Theatre on Friday. And two choir concerts on Saturday, with SMC Glee, Jazz Singers, and Chamber Singers.

by Tara Sundy, Performing Arts Coordinator & Events Manager | November 25, 2025

As the fall semester draws to a close, Saint Mary’s College of California invites the campus community, families, friends, and local arts supporters to gather for three unforgettable concerts showcasing the tremendous talent of our student musicians. Across three inspiring evenings, audiences will experience a vibrant spectrum of musical expression—from intimate chamber works to soaring choral harmonies and the irresistible energy of jazz.

Instrumental Concert

Chamber Players & Concert Ensemble
Thursday, December 4 • 7:30 PM • Saint Mary’s Chapel 
FREE, donations encouraged
More Info: stmarys-ca.edu/chamber25

The week begins in the beautiful, resonant space of the Saint Mary’s Chapel with a program performed by the Chamber Players and Concert Ensemble, directed by Professor Lino Rivera. This concert highlights the depth and versatility of the College’s instrumentalists through a selection of classical and contemporary repertoire. Whether you’re a devoted concertgoer or simply eager to support our student performers, this evening promises an atmosphere of reflection, artistry, and musical excellence. Join us for cookies in Syufy Hall, 2nd floor lobby, following the concert.

Jazz Band (aka Project 8) Concert

Friday, December 5 • 8 PM • LeFevre Theatre
Due to a generous donor, this concert is FREE for Saint Mary’s students, faculty, and staff. Just show your ID at the Box Office.
Non-SMC students $17 (including fees) and General Admission $22 (including fees) 
Please purchase ahead of time. A limited number of tickets are available at LeFevre Box Office at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets & Info: stmarys-ca.edu/jazz-fa25

On Friday night, the spotlight shifts to swing, groove, and improvisation as the Saint Mary’s Jazz Band (aka Project 8) takes the stage in LeFevre Theatre, directed by Malachi Whitson. Expect a dynamic program filled with big-band classics, modern charts, and high-energy performances that bring the theatre to life. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with joy, rhythm, and the unmistakable creativity of SMC’s jazz musicians. Join us for cookies in LeFevre Lobby following the concert.

Choir Concert

featuring the SMC Glee, Jazz Singers, and Chamber Singers
Saturday, December 6 • 4 PM (also live-streamed) & 7 PM • Saint Mary’s Chapel
FREE, but $20 donation for livestream or in-person performance is encouraged
stmarys-ca.edu/choir-fa25

The week concludes with two choral concerts, directed by Dr. Julie Ford and Assistant Director Meredith Hawkins, that highlight the expressive range of the College’s vocal ensembles. Through a blend of classical, contemporary, jazz, and popular works, the Saint Mary’s Glee, Jazz Singers, and Chamber Singers bring warmth, beauty, and spirited performance to the Chapel. With both an afternoon and evening concert, audiences have multiple opportunities to enjoy these remarkable voices. The 4 p.m. concert is perfect for the younger crowd as it features Oakland Youth Chorus directed by LaNell Martin. It is also live-streamed. The link will be posted on this web page by 3:30 p.m. on December 6: stmarys-ca.edu/choir-fa25 
The 7 p.m. concert features Acalanes High School Choir, directed by Meredith Hawkins.


Join Us for a Musical Celebration

Each event is an opportunity to experience the dedication, passion, and artistry of Saint Mary’s student musicians. Whether you attend one performance or all three, you’ll be part of a vibrant community tradition that celebrates creativity and the power of live performance.

Mark your calendars, bring a friend, and enjoy a week of outstanding music at Saint Mary’s College of California.