Music Ensembles (MUSN)
Membership in music ensembles is based upon a successful audition. Students may register for the same ensemble in as many semesters as desired.
The Fine Arts requirement may be fulfilled by four semesters of participation in one of the following ensembles: MUSN 140, 142, 143, 160, 181, 185, 186. A total of four semesters in MUSN 140, 142, 143 and 160; or 185 and 186 will also fulfill the requirement. Other combinations must be approved by the department chair. Some music ensembles also fulfill certain First-Year Experience requirements.
See specific ensemble requirements for various music major emphases in the first part of the music section of this catalog, or consult the Handbook for Music Majors and Minors available from the Department of Music office.
Music Ensembles Undergraduate Courses
| Course Number | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUSN 140 | Donne Unite | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Donne Unite : | A vocal ensemble that explores the wide variety of secular and sacred repertoire composed for women's voices. Major performances are given each semester and may include exchange/joint concerts with other choirs. Three rehearsals a week. Membership by audition. A combination of four semesters in 140, 142, 143, and 160. | ||
| MUSN 142 | Chamber Singers | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Chamber Singers : | A mixed vocal ensemble of 30-40 members that will study and perform materials appropriate to the chamber ensemble; repertoire will include secular and sacred literature. Major performances are given each semester and may include exchange/joint concerts with other choirs. Three rehearsals per week. Membership by audition. A combination of four semesters in 140, 142, 143, and 160. | ||
| MUSN 143 | Liturgical Choir | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Liturgical Choir : | Liturgical Choir is an ensemble of students of varied faith and cultural backgrounds that sings for services in the UST chapel. Local, regional and international tours are part of the choir's ministry as well as concert performances with other Music Department ensembles. Two rehearsals a week plus bi-weekly Sunday chapel liturgies. Membership by audition. A combination of four semesters in 140, 142, 143, and 160. | ||
| MUSN 151 | Schola Cantorum | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Schola Cantorum : | This vocal ensemble focuses primarily on early Plainchant from the Gregorian chant tradition as well as contemporary chant repertoire. Historical and modern chant notations are studied and repertoire will be performed in the context of both liturgical service and concert. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 160 | Concert Choir | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Concert Choir : | A mixed vocal ensemble that performs a variety of secular and sacred repertoire from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Choral literature performed includes unaccompanied works as well as works with professional chamber orchestra. Major performances are given each semester and may include exchange/joint concerts with other choirs. Tours locally, nationally and internationally. Three rehearsals a week. Membership by audition. A combination of four semesters in 140, 142, 143, and 160. | ||
| MUSN 161 | String Ensembles | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course String Ensembles : | Ensemble meets weekly and are coached by a member of the string faculty. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 162 | Flute Ensembles | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Flute Ensembles : | Formation of trios, quartets and other small ensembles, dependent upon personnel available. Ensembles may include piccolo, soprano flutes, alto flute and bass flute. Ensembles meet once a week and are coached by a member of the woodwind faculty. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 163 | Clarinet Ensembles | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Clarinet Ensembles : | Formation of small ensembles involving various members of the clarinet family. Ensembles meet once a week and are coached by a member of the woodwind faculty. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 164 | Saxophone Ensembles | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Saxophone Ensembles : | Formation of small ensembles involving various members of the saxophone family. Ensembles meet once a week and are coached by a member of the woodwind faculty. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 165 | Chamber Wind Ensembles | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Chamber Wind Ensembles : | This ensemble is comprised of small mixed chamber ensembles. This course is designed as a student/faculty collaborative ensemble, where students are mentored in ensemble via side by side performance with studio faculty. Chamber Winds is instructed and conducted by a member of the faculty. Membership is by approval of the course instructor. | ||
| MUSN 166 | Brass Choir | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Brass Choir : | Formation of small and large ensembles using only brass and sometimes percussion instruments. The choir, directed by a member of the brass faculty, gives regularly scheduled public performances. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 167 | Percussion Ensembles | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Percussion Ensembles : | A variety of mallet and stick instruments are used to form these ensembles. Ensembles meet once a week and are coached by a member of the percussion faculty. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 169 | African Music Ensemble | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course African Music Ensemble : | This course provides a non-Western music performance experience. The repertoire to be studied includes traditional genres such as Adowa, Agbadza, Gota, Kpanlogo, Boboobo, and includes contemporary compositions. Three main areas in the ensemble are drumming, flutes and vocal. No prior experience is necessary for this ensemble. An audition is required. | ||
| MUSN 170 | Handbell Choir | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Handbell Choir : | This instrumental ensemble performs with both English and Dutch handbells. Repertoire consists of arrangements for two to five octaves from a variety of musical periods and styles as well as music composed specifically for the expanding contemporary handbell literature. Performances include monthly appearances in chapel liturgical settings as well as regular campus and public performances. No previous handbell experience necessary but ability to read music is required. Membership by audition or permission of instructor. | ||
| MUSN 171 | Piano Ensembles | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Piano Ensembles : | Study and performance of duets and two-piano music. One major performance per semester. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 172 | Accompanying Ensembles | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Accompanying Ensembles : | Qualified pianists have the opportunity to accompany solo vocalists and solo instrumentalists through individual instruction. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 173 | Guitar Ensemble | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Guitar Ensemble : | Study, performance and recording of music for multiple guitars and bass from Renaissance through twentieth-century composers including American jazz and rock styles. Repertoire includes original works, transcriptions, and arrangements. Opportunities provided for students to learn improvisation, composition, and arrangement. | ||
| MUSN 174 | Guitar Small Ensemble | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Guitar Small Ensemble : | The study and performance of all styles in popular and classical music for guitar and diverse instruments, including bass and drums. | ||
| MUSN 175 | Popular Music Ensemble | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Popular Music Ensemble : | This course provides individual coaching for small ensembles on the performance of all genres and types of American popular music. | ||
| MUSN 176 | New Music Ensemble | 0 TO 1 | |
| Description of course New Music Ensemble : | A mixed instrumental ensemble devoted to the study and performance of new music. Repertoire may include non-tonal, avant-garde, indeterminate, and experimental genres, collaborative improvisation, and original composition. The ensemble meets once per week and presents at least one major performance per semester. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 177 | Indonesian Gamelan Ensemble | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Indonesian Gamelan Ensemble : | Hands-on experience in learning to play Javanese gamelan music, an Indonesian percussion ensemble, one of the great non-Western music-making traditions that is readily accessible to beginners. This course will also include insights into the role of gamelan music and dance in Indonesian culture. This ensemble is open to all students and majors. No previous musical background required. | ||
| MUSN 181 | Orchestra | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Orchestra : | This course is designed for experienced orchestra string musicians (primarily) as well as woodwind, brass and percussionists (on select pieces). The content of the course is based on study, rehearsal and performance of music primarily written for string and symphonic orchestra performance mediums. Literature studied and performed comes from a diversity of cultures and style periods. The Orchestra gives public performances on a regular basis throughout the school year including regional, national and international tours. Meets two times a week. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 182 | Instr Jazz Ensemble | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Instr Jazz Ensemble : | Study and performance of instrumental jazz in various styles with exposure to improvisation. Formal concert is presented each semester, and informal campus appearances occur on a regular basis. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 183 | Jazz Singers | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Jazz Singers : | Study and performance of vocal jazz in various styles. Group is limited in size, thus allowing each member to develop independence in singing and microphone technique. Membership by audition. | ||
| MUSN 185 | Symphonic Band | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Symphonic Band : | Study and performance of original works for wind-band; transcriptions, manuscripts, and solo repertoire with band accompaniment. Two rehearsals per week; regular series of concerts, tours. Private lessons recommended. Membership by audition. Four semesters of participation or a combination with MUSN 186 fulfills the Fine Arts requirement in the core curriculum. | ||
| MUSN 186 | Symphonic Wind Ensemble | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Symphonic Wind Ensemble : | This course is designed for the advanced woodwind, brass and percussion student. A select group of approximately forty musicians studies and performs music primarily written for the wind ensemble genre. Literature studied and performed comes from a diversity of cultures and style periods. The Wind Ensemble gives public performances on a regular basis throughout the school year including regional, national and international tours. Meets two times a week. Membership by audition. Four semesters of participation or a combination with MUSN 185 fulfill the Fine Arts requirement in the core curriculum. | ||
| MUSN 196 | Topics Ensembles | 0 OR 1 | |
| Description of course Topics Ensembles : | The ensemble(s) will be announced in the annual Class Schedule. Content will vary but will not duplicate existing ensembles. | ||