Music

Faculty: Carolyn Finley, Michael Holland, Willem Ibes, Kim Kasling, Patricia Kent, Rita Knuesel, Robert Koopmann OSB, Lucia Magney, Christine Manderfeld OSB, Michelle Plombon, O. Nicholas Raths, Paul Richards OSB, Timm Rolek, Joanna Shelton, Axel Theimer, Bruce Thornton, Edward Turley, Gregory Walker, Philip Welter, Dale White.

The music department seeks to broaden the cultural horizons of the students of Saint Benedict's and Saint John's, convinced that society's highest aspirations languish without musical creativity. Performance is at the heart of the music program. Band, orchestra, ensembles and a variety of choirs present formal opportunities for students to develop their own musical abilities and to take delight in the creativity of others. One-on-one private studio lessons and a number of core fine arts courses invite all students to explore the discipline of music and its contribution to world cultures. Students majoring in music develop knowledge and skill in the basic elements of music. They undertake an integrated study of the historical evolution of these basic elements and, in their own right, learn to use this knowledge verbally, aurally and in performance. The major combines intensive personal study of a major instrument with strong collaboration with faculty members and student peers in studio performance classes and weekly recitals.

Major

The music department offers a program leading to a bachelor of arts degree with concentrations in liturgical music, music composition, music education (instrumental and/or choral for both elementary and secondary), music literature and performance. Accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Basic Requirements (24 credits) [Top]

Required Courses:

111, 112, 211, 212, 335, 336.

Special Requirements:

All music majors are required to demonstrate basic musicianship, performance ability on a major instrument and piano proficiency (if the major instrument is other than keyboard). Some concentrations require additional proficiencies and/or secondary instrument study(see below). Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble is required of majors in all concentrations. All seniors successfully complete a final project as their concentration requires.

Concentration in liturgical music (46-53 additional credits) [Top]

Required Courses:

323, 324, 327, seven semesters in applied music of which at least five are in one of the following: organ, voice or guitar (227, 337); supporting courses: LTGY 312; DOCT 316; HHTH 311 or 312; EDUC 390; THEO 180.

Special Requirements:

Demonstration of organ, guitar and voice proficiencies is required (114). Organ majors must satisfy a proficiency in service playing (342). Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble for seven semesters.

Concentration in music composition (28-36 additional credits) [Top]

Required Courses:

339, 340, 345, 346, seven semesters in the major instrument (227, 337), if major instrument is not piano, continued piano study is recommended even after successful completion of piano proficiency examination, two semesters of 357 or 359.

Special Requirements:

Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble for seven semesters.

Concentration in music education (22-29 additional credits) [Top]

Sequences are offered in choral education and instrumentaleducation.

Required Courses:

323, 324 (for choral education) or 320, 321 (for instrumental education), seven semesters are required in the major instrument (227, 337).

Special Requirements:

Students in music education are required to have a secondary instrument (114). Those pursuing the choral education sequence who do not have voice as their primary area of study must fulfill two levels of voice competencies; levels of competence in major areas of performance are distributed by the instructor.

Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble for seven semesters.

Suggestions:

See education department listing for the major/minor requirements.

Students in music education may receive special credit towards some core requirements. However, they are advised that a program in music fulfilling Minnesota state licensure requirements may require a ninth semester, course overloads and/or attendance at summer school. Students are urged to contact the education department regarding requirements.

Concentration in music literature(24-28 additional credits) [Top]

Required Courses:

Eight semesters in the major instrument (227, 337); 8 credits from 327, 339-354.

Special Requirements:

Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble for seven semesters.

Concentration in Performance(24-32 additional credits) [Top]

Required Courses:

Eight semesters in the major instrument (227, 337); 8 credits from 327, 339-354. Pedagogical courses under the special studies division

are recommended for this degree concentration.

Special Requirements:

Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble for eight semesters.

Voice performance majors must meet proficiency in one language (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

Minor (28 credits) [Top]

Required Courses:

111, 112, 150, 211, 212, four semesters of 227.

Special Requirements:

Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble for four semesters.

Courses

(MUSC)

(Grading: S/U for 0 credit courses; A/F required for 1-4 credit courses)

100 Class Piano I. (1) [Top]

Group instruction for students with no previous study.

101 Class Piano II. (1) [Top]

Group instruction for students at an early intermediate level of study. Prerequisite: MUSC 100 or permission of instructor.

102 Class Voice. (1) [Top]

Group instruction for students with no previous study.

103 Class Voice II. (1) [Top]

Group instruction for students at an early intermediate level of study. Prerequisite: MUSC 102 or permission of instructor.

104 Class Guitar. (1) [Top]

Group instruction for students with little or no previous study.

105 Class Guitar II. (1) [Top]

Group instruction for students at an intermediate level of study. Prerequisite: MUSC 020 or permission of instructor.

111, 112 Comprehensive Musicianship I, II. (4,4) [Top]

Development of musicianship through written, aural and keyboard training. Laboratory class required.

113 Piano, Organ, Voice, Brass, Woodwinds, Strings, Guitar, Percussion. (1) [Top]

Intermediate or advanced study for the non-music major.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

114 Secondary Instrument for Music Majors. (1) [Top]

150 Music Through History. (4) [Top]

An introduction to music in its historical and cultural perspective from ancient Greek to contemporary. Emphasis is placed on Western and other than Western cultures. Includes attendance at live performances. For music minors and non-music majors.

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151 Music through Theory. (4)

An introduction to the basic principles of melody, harmony and rhythm. Various styles will be examined through the changing music

theory of the time and attendance at live performances. For non-music majors.

155 Campus Cultural Events. (0) [Top]

This course involves the attendance by the students at 10 approved music, theater and dance performances on the two campuses during the course of an academic year. The course is offered for zero credit only but the course does satisfy one of the six required fine arts units. Students must register for the course in the fall semester of each year.

156 Women in Music. (2) [Top]

A survey of the history of women in music from earliest times to the present. It will include reading about women musicians, the study of their styles and live and recorded musical performances. For non-music majors.

157 Piano Music from Bach to Jazz. (2) [Top]

This course is a survey of piano music from the late baroque to the present. It will include readings on piano music, piano composers and piano performers, the study of musical and performing styles, and live and recorded musical performances. For non-music majors.

158 Hearing the Symphony. (4) [Top]

This course will center around eight to 10 concerts given by the Minnesota Orchestra on Wednesday nights at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. An extra fee for concert tickets and transportation is required. Each concert will be previewed when recordings are available or from program notes. As the semester progresses a historical foundation particularly of orchestral music and of compositional techniques in general will be presented.

159 Men and Women in Music. (4) [Top]

This course will survey musical people — composers, educators and patrons — and their music from the earliest times to the present. It will include readings about men and women musicians, the study of music styles and live and recorded musical performances. For non-music majors.

176 January Term Topics. (0-4) [Top]

Study at the introductory level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

177 January Term Core Topics. (0-4) [Top]

Study at the introductory level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirements. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

211, 212 Comprehensive Musicianship III, IV. (4,4) [Top]

Continued development of musicianship through written, aural and keyboard training. More advanced harmonic practices; modern idioms and trends including electronic music. Laboratory class required. Prerequisite: 112.

227 Major Instrument or Voice. (2) [Top]

Fundamentals of tone production. Development of technique and repertoire. Performance class required. Prerequisite: interview with instructor before registration.

230 Symphonic Band. (0-1) [Top]

Performance of original literature from all periods. Representative transcriptions of traditional literature. No audition required.

231 Wind Ensemble. (0-1) [Top]

Performance of original wind (band) literature with particular emphasis on the 20th century. Audition required.

232 Chamber Choir. (0-1) [Top]

Choral works (SATB), oratorio and chamber, from the Renaissance to the present. Open to all students. Audition required.

233 Chamber Orchestra. (0-1) [Top]

Performance of standard chamber orchestral repertoire.

234 Men's Chorus. (0-1) [Top]

Great choral works from Palestrina to the present. Annual concert tour including a periodic European circuit. Open to all male students. Audition required.

235 Campus Singers. (0-1) [Top]

Select women's chamber group. Choral music of representative periods. Audition required.

237 Clarinet Ensemble. (0-1) [Top]

A select clarinet chamber group performing original works and transcriptions. Permission of instructor.

238 Jazz Ensemble. (0-1) [Top]

Performance of contemporary literature for stage band. Audition required.

239 All-College Choir. (0-1) [Top]

SATB ensemble, meets once weekly and is open to all students.

240 Ensemble Performance. (0-1) [Top]

Prearranged ensembles of piano, winds, brass, strings, voice and/or percussion. Weekly or biweekly coaching. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

241 Saxophone Quartet. (0-1) [Top]

Intensive study of saxophone chamber music. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

242 Brass Choir. (0-1) [Top]

A select brass chamber group performing original and transcribed works for 12-18 players. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

243 Percussion Ensemble and Marimba Ensemble. (0-1) [Top]

The Percussion and Marimba Ensembles perform music generally written from 1930 to the present. Comprised of creative students who are looking for something "different," these groups perform on campus and periodically in the Twin Cities. Previous highlights include accompanying silent film, working directly with composers and performing at the Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis. All members of the ensembles take individual lessons with the instructor. The ensembles rehearse twice per week. Students need not be music majors but should have some music background. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

271 Individual Learning Project. (1-4) [Top]

Supervised reading or research at the lower-division level. Permission of department chair required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

275 Supervised Study. (0-4) [Top]

Full-time learning experience during the January term done under the direction of a faculty moderator, often in conjunction with an off-campus supervisor. Requires permission of instructor. Not available to first-year students.

276 January Term Topics. (0-4) [Top]

Study of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

277 January Term Core Topics. (0-4) [Top]

Study of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirements. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

311 Score Reading. (0-1) [Top]

Advanced exercises for music majors who have not gained necessary proficiency. S-U grading.

320, 321 Instrumental and Conducting Techniques. (4,4) [Top]

Individualized program leading to basic performance and pedagogical competencies in string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments and arranging studies. Fundamental conducting competencies acquired through individual and group lessons and laboratory rehearsal experiences. Fall, alternate years.

323, 324 Choral Techniques I, II. (4,4) [Top]

Laboratory class for students preparing to be choral conductors. Choral procedures. Conducting. Literature. Arranging studies. Prerequisite: piano proficiency and applied voice. Fall, alternate years.

327 Music for the Liturgy. (4) [Top]

A practical survey of music appropriate for use in liturgical celebrations. Fall, alternate years.

335 History of Music I. (4) [Top]

History of Western musical development from the Greek period to 1750. Study of trends in style and form. Fall. Prerequisite: MUSC 112.

336 History of Music II. (4) [Top]

History of Western musical development from 1750 to the present. Study of trends in style and form. Spring. Prerequisite: MUSC 112.

337 Major Instrument or Voice. (2) [Top]

Continuation of 227. Building of repertoire. Performance class required. Prerequisite: 227 and permission of instructor.

338 Major Instrument or Voice. (4) [Top]

Continuation of study in techniques and repertoire. Performance class required. Completion of junior and senior recitals. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

339 Setting Notes. Creative Writing. (4) [Top]

Analyzing principles of composition. Application of materials in original works. Prerequisite: 212. Fall, alternate years.

340 Music Designs. (4) [Top]

Advanced analysis of musical designs in historical content. Prerequisite: 212. Spring, alternate years.

Special Studies Program (320-324 and 339-371). [Top]

These courses are organized around special areas of advanced study in music and vary from semester to semester in response to student needs and interests.

341-343 Special Studies in Pedagogy and Techniques. (1-4) [Top]

Specific instruments and voice. Advanced study in solo repertoire such as diction (voice) and stylistic articulation skills.

345 Special Studies in Orchestration. (2) [Top]

Study of scoring and arranging for large ensembles. Course covers individual instruments and families, along with their characteristic sounds and uses within a mixed group. Students will work with scoring for both the standard orchestra and wind ensemble. Emphasis is placed on the overall capabilities of these performing groups, and how the arranger can take advantage of them. Prerequisite: 212. Spring, alternate years.

346 Tonal Counterpoint. (2) [Top]

Study of the analysis and writing of tonal counterpoint, especially that of J.S. Bach. Through listening, analyzing and writing musical counterpoint, students will develop an awareness of both the complexities and musicianship, as well as the skill to handle independent voices in a composition. This includes the relationship between horizontal and vertical aspects of the music studied. Prerequisite: 212. Spring, alternate years.

347 Special Studies in Theory, Analysis and Composition. (1-4) [Top]

Theoretical study of music, such as the analysis of a particular composition, compositional techniques of a specific style of original works. Prerequisite: 212.

357 Composition Projects. (2) [Top]

Individual training of advanced writing in contemporary styles. Prerequisite: 212.

358 Opera Workshop. (0-2) [Top]

In-depth study/presentations of classical to contemporary works. Prerequisite: audition/consent of workshop director.

359 Electronic Composition Projects. (1-4) [Top]

Individual composition work in the Electronic Music Laboratory, utilizing advanced techniques in hardware and software use. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

371 Individual Learning Project. (1-4) [Top]

Supervised reading or research at the upper-division level. Permission of department chair and completion and/or concurrent registration of 12 credits within the department required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

376 January Term Topics. (0-4) [Top]

Study at the upper-division level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

377 January Term Core Topics. (0-4) [Top]

Study at the upper-division level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

397 Internship. (1) [Top]

Individual projects tailored to student needs/career. Prerequisite: consent of department chair.

398 Honors Senior Essay, Research or Creative Project. (4) [Top]

Required for graduation with "All-college Honors" and "Departmental Distinction in Music." Prerequisite: HONR 396 and approval of the department chair and director of the honors program. For further information see HONR 398

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