The Imperial Valley Symphony
Students enrolled in MUS 178 Symphony Orchestra and MUS 803 Orchestra for Older Adults
are part of the Imperial Valley Symphony. Classes are taught by Dr. Matthew Busse,
Music Director and Conductor of the Imperial Valley Symphony.
He received his Bachelor of Music in Composition and Theory from Sam Houston State
University in Texas where he studied composition with Dr. Newton Strandberg, piano
performance under Dr. John Paul and conducting with Dr. Carol Smith. In 1996, he received
his Masters of Music in Music Theory at the University of Houston studying composition
under Dr. Robert Nelson and music theory with Dr. John Snyder. His conducting studies
continued with Mariusz Smolij and Kirk Trevor at Northwestern University in 2001.
In 2012, he received his doctorate in conducting from the University of South Carolina
where he studied with conductor, Dr. Donald Portnoy. From 1998-2004 he was the Director
of Orchestras at Cypress Creek High School in Houston, TX and also taught courses
in electronic music, music theory and piano at North Harris Community College. In
2002, he founded the Northwest Houston Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra which
he later took on a seven city tour of China with renowned pianist, Tian Jiang as well
as other performances around the country. From 2004-2005, he served as the Director
of Orchestras at the Savannah Arts Academy in Savannah, GA.
MUS 178 Symphony Orchestra (Credit)
The study and performance of literature for full symphony orchestra in a wide variety
of styles. Performances in local communities and on campus are required. Maximum credit
four units.(C-ID: MUS 180) (CSU/UC)
MUS 803 Orchestra for Older Adults (Noncredit)
Designed for older students who have an interest in learning to play in an orchestra.
Performances in the local community and on campus are required. Introduction to music
theory as a means of learning to read music rather than learning by rote. The course
intends to assist older adults in identifying and examining personal interests and
aptitudes in performing music to enhance mental acuity and creativity, as well as
appreciation of the arts. (Nontransferable, nondegree applicable)