Pima’s Spring Music Series Features Nine Student Concerts, April 27 - May 12

This vibrant lineup of nine concerts showcases student ensembles performing a wide range of musical styles.

Tucson, Arizona - Pima Community College’s Music Department invites the community to experience its Spring Music Series, running April 27 through May 12. This vibrant lineup of nine concerts showcases student ensembles performing a wide range of musical styles, celebrating a semester of dedication, collaboration, and artistic growth.

From lively jazz and dynamic choral works to classical orchestra, mariachi, and musical theatre, the series offers something for every musical taste. All performances are open to the public, and audiences from across the Tucson community are encouraged to attend and support Pima’s talented student musicians.

Fall Concert Series Schedule

Monday, April 27 at 7 p.m. – Percussion Ensemble

Step into the “Future of Percussion” with Pima’s Percussion Ensemble, directed by Dr. Trevor Barroero. This high-energy concert blends acoustic instruments with electronics, including synthesizers, MIDI mallet instruments, audio tracks, and the theremin. The repertoire will include Rick Dior’s “Science Fiction” (a piece accompanied by classic sci-fi movie clips), the world premiere of “Printer Jam” (a piece for 18 percussionists performing on 3D-printed drums), high-energy bucket drumming, techno-inspired grooves on mallet instruments, and Dr. Barroero as soloist in “Electric Cathedral,” a groundbreaking concerto for MalletSTATION and percussion quartet. $6/$5

Monday, May 4 at 7 p.m. – Jazz Band

Directed by Scott Black, the Pima Jazz Band presents an evening of timeless standards and contemporary arrangements, showcasing standout student soloists. With a focus on improvisation, tight ensemble playing and dynamic expression. The performance promises a vibrant mix of rhythm, soul and spontaneity. The concert also features a special pre-concert set by Tucson Jazz Institute’s Basie band and the renowned TJI Ellington Big Band, along with collaborative moments that bring musicians from both programs together on stage. $6/$5

Thursday, May 7 at 6 p.m. – String Ensemble

Under the direction of Fang Fang Li, the Pima String Ensemble presents an evening that showcases the expressive depth and nuance of string music. Featuring a blend of classical repertoire and contemporary works, the program highlights the ensemble’s rich sound, musical sensitivity and artistry. Free Admission.

Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. – Concert Band

The Pima Concert Band presents its final Spring concert on Thursday, May 7, continuing its theme, “A Return to Broadway,” with selections from “Wicked.” The program also features a blend of contemporary works and beloved band classics, offering a well-rounded and engaging evening of music. Directed by Victor Valenzuela, the ensemble invites audiences to enjoy a polished and spirited performance. $6/$5

Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m. – Mariachi Ensemble

Experience the vibrant energy and rich tradition of Mexican music with Mariachi Azteca de Pima College. This dynamic student ensemble brings together voices, violins, trumpets, and guitars in a lively program that honors the spirit and storytelling of mariachi. Rooted in culture and community, the performance offers a heartfelt celebration of folkloric music. Directed by Salvador Gallegos. $6/$5

Saturday, May 9 at 3 p.m. – Orchestra

Directed by Anne Grimes, D.M.A., the Pima College Orchestra showcases the beauty and complexity of symphonic music in this afternoon performance with pieces from both classical and modern composers. The concert includes Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” (I.), Mozart’s “Jupiter Symphony” (I.), two movements from Cary Jeffery’s “Atmospheric Symphonic Suite,” and more. As our featured soloist, Pima guitar instructor Michael Lich will perform Kip Winger’s “Windrunner” with our orchestra. $6/$5

Saturday, May 9 at 7 p.m. – Guitar Ensemble

The Pima Guitar Ensemble, under the direction of Michael Lich, will perform enchanting new works for small guitar ensemble and guitar orchestra. The program will include contemporary pieces by Houghton, Lévesque, Rios and a new composition entitled “Lemon Leaves,” by Mexican composer Nur Slim. The performers will include not only the PCC Guitar Ensemble but also special guests from Pima Community College’s group guitar class, as well as alumni. This will be a memorable evening for all. $6/$5

Sunday, May 10 at 3 p.m. – Chorale & College Singers

Two choral groups come together for a moving and uplifting concert that celebrates the power of the human voice. Under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Ng, Pima Chorale will perform the famous popular tunes “You Raise Me Up” (Fettke) and “Stars Tonight” (Herrington). The select mixed-voice a cappella ensemble, College Singers, will present 19th century Romantic part-songs “Abshied vom Wald/Farewell to the Forest” and “Die Nachtigail/The Nightingale” (Mendelssohn), 20th-century English part-song “Blue Bird” (Stanford), “I’ve Been in the Storm So Long” (Ames) and humorous Renaissance Italian madrigal “El Grillo/The Cricket” (Josquin). For the final section of the concert, the women of the ensemble will perform Cantonese folk song “Moonlight Lullaby” for Mother’s Day and “Jenny” (Myers), and the Chorale & College Singers will join together to perform Japanese song “Aka-Tonbo/The Dragon-Fly” (Chilcott), Venetian Double-chorus “Echo Song" (Lasso), “I Believe” (Miller), favorite inspirational song “I’ll Be On My Way” (Kirchner), and “What Wonder!” an all time classic from Haydn’s most famous oratorio “The Creation” (Moore). $6/$5

Tuesday, May 12 at 4 p.m. – Musical Theatre Workshop

Directed by Anne Grimes and Chris Will, this year’s Musical Theater Workshop brings “Little Shop of Horrors” to life through a lively showcase of songs. Blending acting, singing, and movement, students deliver a performance full of humor, heart, and a delightfully dark twist. Free Admission.

What: Pima Music Department presents Spring 2026 Music Series
When: April 27 - May 12, (various times)
Where: Pima Community College – West Campus Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Road
Cost:$6/$5, (exceptions: Musical Theater Workshop and String Ensemble are free) open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at pimaarts.com or at Pima Arts Events-Eventbrite.

Contacts:

Carina Garcia, Marketing and Publicity Coordinator
Arts Division | Pima Community College
clisalda@pima.edu, 520-206-3062

Anne Grimes, Music Dept. Head
Arts Division | Pima Community College
acvoita@pima.edu