I really liked this class! I took it because I preferred to take an ensemble instead of Chorale to fulfill my performance units. This is more like a beginner class, or if you are there just to have fun playing with one another, or want to get more experience with your instrument. Professor Guzman (he prefers to be called Chuy) is super encouraging, yet also patient, no matter how much experience you have with your instrument. Chuy arranged every piece that we perform in this class, so he knows every part very well and knows how to help you. He also knows how to play most of the instruments in his arrangements, so he REALLY knows what he's doing. I also really enjoyed how members of the advanced orchestra would attend, which not only made it more encouraging and inspiring, but there are more people there to help you who are also current students and have spent a lot of time with Chuy. Grading is mostly on attendance, so it's very easy to pass this class. I would highly recommend this class if you're looking for an easy ensemble that can giver you a learning experience and an engaging experience for a variety of experience levels.

Chug has been one of my favorite professors so far, his class is super fun. For his class work it’s just you learning the different songs that he have prepared for each quarter, you need to play with your instrument (you don’t need to be a pro, or even have any knowledge about it) and also singing. For most of the points it’s attendance, you need to attend to class in order to pass the class. For the final, you need to pass at the front and sing one of the songs that y’all learn during the quarter and if you know the song doesn’t matter if you are not a pro singer but as long that you sing and you demonstrate that you having fun that’s all. I’ll highlight recommend this class for whoever needs some space to sing, or just have fun. (Three hours class every Monday).

Beware; students grade this course. If the students like you, easy A. If not, then you are in trouble.

I loved the class. However, you will struggle if you are new to playing instruments. I spoke to the instructor and to his assistants and they told me not to worry. I tried my best and I received a B. I wish they would have told me that my grade would suffer if I did not have a background in music.

Show up on time, bring an instrument, learn some music, thats all it really is... You'd have to really try to not pass this class.