Handbook for Music Students

2012-2013 Department Chair: Reginald Sanders

The Department of Music offers courses in music history and theory, both Western and non-Western, and provides students with the opportunity to perform in various ensembles and pursue private instruction in voice and many instruments. Each area of study, whether it results in a student's own performance or a heightened perception of others' performances, is designed to increase the student's sense of the richness and importance of music in the human experience.

Music Theory: Ted Buehrer, Ross Feller, Benjamin Locke
Musicology and Ethnomusicology: Dane Heuchemer, Maria Mendonça, Reginald Sanders
Music Technology: Ross Feller

MUSC 101 (Basic Musicianship), MUSC 102 (Introduction to Musical Style) are considered especially appropriate introductory courses for first-year students or upperclass students new to the department. As the foundation on which the other course work in the department is built, these courses are required for students considering a major in music. To facilitate proper placement of entering students, the Department administers a music theory placement exam during Orientation; students who do well on this exam may be granted permission to enroll in MUSC 121-122 (First-Year Theory and Ear-Training).

Students not contemplating a major in music but who have prior experience should also take the placement exam. If the exam is not taken, the student will begin with MUSC 101 or 102. Those who wish to develop basic skills should take MUSC 101, which covers the rudiments of music theory and the aural skills needed by practicing musicians. MUSC 102 is designed to provide both an overview of the subject and the requisite skills needed for active, informed listening. All other music courses follow logically from MUSC 101 and 102. Students interested in Ethnomusicology may enroll in MUSC 206 (Seminar in Ethnomusicology) once its prerequisites are met (MUSC 102 or ANTH 113). Students with AP credit should consult the Department Chair.

For additional courses particularly appropriate for first-year students or upperclass students new to the music department curriculum, look for the diamond symbol in the Course Catalog.

Applied Music Program

Area Coordinator: Donna Maloney
Choral Director: Benjamin Locke
Symphonic Wind Ensemble Director: Dane Heuchemer
Jazz Ensemble Director: Ted Buehrer
Asian Music Ensemble: Maria Mendonça
Guitar Coordinator: Jeff Poole
Piano Coordinator: John L Reitz
Voice Coordinator: Jennifer Marcellana

NOTICE: All students in the applied music program are subject to the rules contained herein.

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Auditions, Hearings and Placements

Chamber Singers and Community Choir Auditions
Sign-up Sheets, Storer Hall, Room 30, August 29, 30, & 31 (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday)
Chamber Singers begin September 3 (Monday)
Community Choir begins September 5 (Wednesday)

Symphonic Wind Ensemble Auditions
Sign-up Sheets, Storer Hall, Room 28
Auditions: September 1 (Saturday), Waite Recital Hall
Symphonic Wind Ensemble begins September 4 (Tuesday)

Knox County Symphony Auditions
Sign-up Sheets, Storer Hall, Room 30, September 7 and 8 (Friday & Saturday)
Knox County Symphony begins September 10 (Monday)

Jazz Ensemble Auditions
Sign-up Sheet, Storer Hall, Room 24, September 3 and 4 (Monday & Tuesday) Jazz Ensemble begins September 7 (Friday)

Asian Music Ensemble
Students interested in participating in the Asian Music Ensemble should contact
Prof. Maria Mendonça

Placements for Piano, Voice and Guitar Lessons: Students who have not taken piano, voice or guitar lessons at Kenyon are required to attend a placement. The placement is not an audition. It is an opportunity for the coordinator to determine which of our teachers would be a good fit with the student. Once a teacher has been assigned the student may follow the procedure to sign up for lessons. The Placement schedule for Fall 2012 is as follows:

Piano Placements: Friday (8/31), 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Monday, (9/3), 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
All Guitars Placements: Friday (8/31), 10:00 a.m.-12:00 (a guitar is not necessary for the placement, however a guitar is necessary for lessons).
Voice Placements: Friday (8/31), 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Monday (9/3), 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Musical Theater/Opera Workshop Auditions: Tuesday, (9/4), 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Sign-up Sheets for the above placements can be found on the bulletin board in the student lounge in Storer Hall. Watch for STUDENT-INFO announcements.

Ensemble Auditions
(Sign-up Sheets, Student Lounge, Storer Hall)
Woodwind Ensemble (Bailey Sorton, director)
Guitar Ensemble (TBA, director)
Chamber String Ensemble (Luis Biava, director)
Flute Choir (Ann Stimson, director)
Percussion Ensemble (Cary Dachtyl, director)
Harp Ensemble (Janet Thompson, director)
Saxophone Ensemble (Antoine Clark, director)
Horn Ensemble (Heidi Wick, director)

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1. Types of Instruction: The Kenyon College Department of Music offers private lessons in the following areas: piano, jazz piano, harpsichord, organ, harp, voice, violin, viola, cello, double bass (classical and jazz), flute, oboe, bassoon, recorder, clarinet, saxophone, guitar, classical and bass guitar, trumpet, trombone, tuba, euphonium, French horn, baritone, and percussion.
Students wishing to take piano, voice and/or guitar lessons must first have a placement session in order to be assigned a teacher (see top of this page for placement information).

2. Levels of Instruction: There are four levels of instruction (Level I-IV). All students beginning instruction at Kenyon must enroll for Level I, regardless of prior background and proficiency.

3. Length of Lessons:
Students at Levels I, II and III may take 25 or 50-minute lessons (.13 or .25 credit). Students in Level IV must take 50-minute lessons (.25 credit). Additional time and credit may be taken at Level IV by petitioning the Music Department.

4. Registering for Lessons: All students enroll for music lessons and ensembles in the same manner as for other courses. All add/drop forms must be signed by Mrs. Maloney, Room 20, Storer Hall. The Registrar will not accept the form without her signature. The Registrar provides one additional week beyond the College's add/drop deadline for adding music lessons and ensembles.

5. Scheduling of Lessons: Students planning to take music lessons must turn in their Class Schedules to the Music Department office no later than 12:00 noon, Tuesday, September 4 (first semester) and 12:00 noon, Friday, January 18 (second semester). Class Schedule forms are available in Mrs. Maloney's office in Storer Hall, Room 20. You will not be scheduled for a lesson time if you do not turn in a schedule by the deadline.

6. Posting of Adjunct Teaching Times: Lesson schedules for the adjunct faculty will be posted on the bulletin board in Storer Hall. Students should check this board beginning September 5 to determine when and where their lessons will be held. Most generally your teacher will send an email with his/her teaching schedule.

7. Music Lessons Schedule: Music lessons begin on Thursday, September 6 (first semester) and Monday, January 21 (second semester).

8. Fees: For 13 weeks of lessons per semester, the fees are as follows:
25 minutes per week (.13 credit) = $247.50/semester
50 minutes per week (.25 credit) = $495.00/semester
100 minutes per week (.50 credit) = $990.00/semester (only by permission of the Music Department)

9. Billing Policy: If a student drops private instruction after one lesson, a charge for one lesson will be made. If a student takes two lessons and drops instruction, a charge for half the total fee will be made. If a student takes more than two lessons and subsequently decides to drop instruction, a charge for the entire semester's fee will be made. Missed lessons will be charged the same as actual lessons until the student officially informs the instructor and/or Mrs. Maloney of his/her intention to drop the class.

10. Fee Waivers for Majors/Minors
a. Private Lessons: Fees for private lessons are waived for declared majors and minors for their primary instrument to the extent that such study applies to their graduation requirements. (You must be a declared major or minor by the date of billing.) Above and beyond the requirement for applied study, fees are also waived for senior music majors who have chosen to perform a recital or recital/lecture. The fee waiver beyond the requirement for applied study may be extended for other majors and minors by petition to the Department. Excessive absence (three or more) will result in the loss of the fee waiver. Fee waivers are not available to first-year students. Second-instrument lessons are paid by the student, except for Piano Proficiency (see below). Declared music majors and minors will be responsible for all charges should they drop lessons at any time. Excessive absence (three or more) will result in the loss of the fee waiver.

b. Piano Proficiency: For majors whose primary instrument is not piano , fees are waived for two semesters of thirteen 25-minute lessons (.13 credit). To meet the requirements for the major, a minimum grade of B+ is required. Additional semesters, if necessary, are at the expense of the student. (Students with piano background may audition for exemption from Piano Proficiency. See the Chair of the Department.)

11. Make-Up Lessons: If a student has a legitimate reason for missing a lesson and/or appears on the Dean's List of Excused Absences, he/she is entitled to a make-up lesson. When possible, the student should notify the instructor 24 hours in advance of his/her lesson, using the instructor's preferred form of communication (check syllabus for instructor's preference). The methods used include telephoning the home of the instructor, telephoning the instructor's Kenyon voice mailbox, or e-mailing the instructor. If these procedures are not followed, missed lessons may or may not be rescheduled, at the discretion of the instructor. If an instructor misses a lesson, said lesson will be made up as soon as possible, and before the last day of classes.

12. Grading: The department has instituted the following policy: The grade of "A" should represent that a student at any level of instruction has worked consistently and made significant progress in light of his/her innate ability.

Absences or disability due to prolonged illness/injury during the semester must be brought to the attention of the Department Chair as soon as possible in order to make equitable accommodations for the situation. Failure to do so may result in a loss of recompense for the student academically and financially.

Early in the semester each student will be provided with a syllabus outlining their academic responsibilities for the semester. The syllabus will explain which factors (attendance, assignments, etc.) contribute to the determination of the final grade.

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I. Purpose of the Applied Program Jury System

Mission Statement: The experience of creating or re-creating music through musical performance is central to understanding the discipline of music. To this end, the applied music program at Kenyon College is structured so as to allow any student at any level of experience to engage in this type of study. Inherent in this approach is the assumption that an increase in proficiency and skill should be both measurable and continuous. End-of-semester juries and timely advancement to higher skill levels are two of the primary systems by which the Kenyon College Department of Music seeks to evaluate the progress of individual students, to enable students to present concrete evidence of their improved musical understanding, to maintain standards of skill levels and performance, and to assess the efficacy of the entire applied program in our curriculum.

II. Definition of Levels

A. Level I: This level is the starting point for all students engaging in applied study in the
Department of Music, regardless of the prior experience of the individual student. No
jury is required at Level I until the semester in which the student acquires .5 unit at this
level.
B. Level II: To reach or maintain Level II standing, the student should have a basic
understanding of the technique associated with performance on his/her instrument. In
addition, the student should be able to perform selections from the introductory
repertory with fluency while maintaining proper intonation, articulation, phrasing,
style, tone, tempo, and stage deportment. The student should also exhibit the capacity
for memorization, where appropriate.
C. Level III: To reach or maintain Level III standing, the student should begin to
demonstrate a mastery of the techniques associated with performance on his/her
instrument and a basic level of artistry. Performance of selections from a more
advanced repertory should exhibit not only fluency, but also a command of intonation,
articulation, phrasing, style, tone, tempo, stage deportment, and, especially,
interpretation. The student should also be aware of technical problems and have the
ability to adjust midperformance.
D. Level IV: To reach or maintain Level IV standing, the student should exhibit
performance skills that show substantial command of both technique and artistry.
More defining characteristics of Level IV are musical independence and creativity,
specifically the skill of "making the performance one's own." This level must be
achieved for any student giving a recital sponsored by the Music Department.

III. Area-specific guidelines: Given the definitions above, it is understood that a certain variety of expectations is necessary within the areas of applied study at Kenyon (voice, piano, guitar, etc.). However, whatever guidelines are established for the applied areas must attend to the definitions above, and expectations regarding technique and repertoire should show an appropriate and reasonable gradation. Each area shall establish non-exclusive repertoire lists for each level to serve as a guide to colleagues and to students.

IV. The Jury System
A. Juries are required of all students at Levels II-IV. No jury is required at Level I until
the semester during which the student accumulates .5 unit at this level.
Advancement from one level to another is determined at end-of-semester juries.
B. Limitations on Levels and Credit:
1. Level I: up to .5 units of credit may be earned
2. Level II: generally up to .5 units of credit may be earned, although an
additional .25 unit may be earned upon the recommendation of the applied
instructor and consent of the tenured or tenure-track faculty attending the
relevant jury.
3. Level III: no limitation
4. Level IV: no limitation
The above limitations apply whether or not the lessons are contiguous.
C. Length of jury performances: Jury performances should be no more than five-
minutes duration. If students are performing works that are longer than five minutes,
the works may either be "edited" for the jury, or the evaluators will simply interrupt at
an appropriate moment. (Students need to be aware that an interruption of this sort is
not to be taken negatively.)
D. Jurors:
1. At least two tenured or tenure-track faculty, and
2. Applied teacher (s) of the students performing on juries

V. Adjudication, Advancement and Grading

A. Adjudication: The quality of the jury performance itself will determine the
success or failure of individual students as they attempt to progress through the
applied-study program. The regular classroom faculty will confer with the
applied faculty when making decisions regarding advancement.
B. Advancing to Higher Levels: Students may be advanced to a higher level of study
only by undergoing a Jury for Advancement. If the private instructor approves,
this may be done before the student has accumulated the maximum number of
credits at a given level.
C. Consequences of Failing a Jury Performance: In the event of a failure ("no
pass"), the student's grade in the course will drop a full letter. If the student fails
the jury in the subsequent semester (whether contiguous or not), the same grade
penalty is applied AND the student will be dropped one level. This means that
students may have to continue lessons for AUDIT credit only (as per the
limitations on credit mentioned above), cancel recitals, and/or suffer any other
consequences inherent in said reassignments.
D. Consequences of Missing a Jury: If a student fails to appear for a scheduled jury
without an acceptable excuse (determined by the Department), the student's
grade in the course will drop a full letter AND the student will be dropped one
level.
E. Progress Within the Level: Once a student has reached a level with no limitation
(III or IV), steady improvement of skills is still expected. Jury sheets from
previous semesters will be consulted to monitor this progress. Failure to sustain a
steady upward trajectory may result in a failed jury even if the basic requirements
of the level are being met overall.
F. Dress Code: For appropriate dress see Performances, Recital Dress Code
G. Jury Results: The student and the instructor will be notified of the jury results,
and a written critique of the performance will be available to both the student and
the instructor. The critique sheets will be kept in the Music Office.

VI. Ensemble Substitution: Solo work done in conjunction with Music Department
ensembles may qualify a student for advancement if the following conditions are met:
1) the student notifies the Music Jury Coordinator (Mrs. Maloney) two weeks in
advance of the performance date; 2) at least two classroom faculty and one adjunct
instructor are present at the performance; and 3) the private teacher agrees that said
performance is representative of the student's progress in the lessons.

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  1. Recitals
    1. Angela Waite Student Recital Series: Performance on this Recital Series is an honor. Invitations will be extended to those students who have given outstanding performances on their music juries. (The Music Department will subsidize all accompanists' fees related to this recital.)
    2. Senior/Full Recital: The student has the responsibility for up to an hour of programming. Students who plan to give a senior/full recital should have achieved Level IV status at least one full semester prior to the semester of the recital date.
    3. Junior/Partial Recital: The student has the responsibility of approximately one-half hour of programming (often sharing the recital with another partial-recital student). Students who plan to give a partial recital should have achieved Level IV status for the semester in which the recital occurs.
    4. Music Department Sponsorship: For music majors, the Music Department will fund one half recital in the junior year in accordance with the established guidelines, provided the student has reached level IV, has taken (or is taking contemporaneously with the recital) MUSC 102 and MUSC 121-122, and his/her program has been approved by the department. The Department will also fund a full recital in the senior year as part of the senior exercise.


      For music minors, the Music Department will fund one recital (half or full) in the junior or senior year in accordance with the established guidelines, provided the student has reached level IV, has taken (or is taking contemporaneously with the recital) MUSC 102 and MUSC 121-122, and his/her program has been approved by the department. Every effort should be made to combine two half recitals into a single event, in which case the complete program may consist of two separate half recitals, or the artists may collaborate. Music minors may petition the department for funding to support a second recital.

      Students who are neither music majors nor music minors may petition the department for recital funding if they have reached level IV, have taken (or are taking contemporaneously with the recital) MUSC 102, and their program has been approved by the department.

      Submission of Proposed Program (IMPORTANT): Any student giving a recital (other than the senior recital) must submit a program approved by his/her teacher not less than three academic months prior to the proposed recital date. (Note that academic months include only those months when school is in session.) The content of the program must be approved by a majority vote of the classroom faculty. Any omissions from the expected content of a selection (verses, variations, movement, etc.) must be listed at this time with the reasons for omission. Memorization of materials for most solo works is mandatory. Check with the Department Chair for clarification. For senior recitals, see Senior Exercise for the Major.

    5. Preliminary Hearings: The student must be prepared to perform the entire recital for a panel composed of the teacher and one or two classroom faculty at least two weeks prior to the recital date. It is imperative for the student to treat the jury hearing as a full-fledged performance, even though it is not open to the public. All music is to be presented as it will be in the final recital. Any pieces not considered to be at performance level by majority vote of the faculty will be automatically cut from the program. If insufficient material remains to make a complete program of reasonable length, the recital will be postponed or cancelled. In case of postponement, another preliminary hearing must be held with the same requirements as the first. For senior recitals, see Senior Exercise for the Major.
    6. Recital Dress Code: The Department regards its recitals as formal events, a window through which the public views the work of its students and faculty. As such, students performing in recitals are expected to dress with a degree of sophistication and decorum. Men and women should plan to wear attire that can (at the least) be considered "semi-formal." Attire will be discussed at the time of the recital hearing.
    7. Performance Etiquette: The Department has certain expectations regarding public presentation. These expectations include, but are not limited to, entering and exiting the hall with dignity and ease, acknowledging accompanists and/or assisting performers, acknowledging applause, bowing, addressing the audience with proper formality, etc. If a student has questions or concerns s/he should consult his/her applied teacher and/or Faculty Advisor.

2. Accompanist
a. Accompanists for music juries and payment: Students who need accompanists are
encouraged to ask other students for this support. Professional accompanists are
also available. The current rehearsal rate is $3.00/5 minutes. Jury accompanists
are paid by the Department. Music jury rehearsals are the responsibility of the
student. Students will be billed for all accompanist fees.
b. Accompanists for department-sponsored recitals: The Department will fund 8
hours of rehearsal time with the accompanist for full recitals and 4 hours for half
recitals. Fees in excess of those covered by the Department will be billed to the
student.

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  1. Lockers: The Music Department has lockers available in lower Rosse Hall and Storer Hall for the storing of instruments, music, etc. Only those students participating in ensembles and/or private lessons will be issued a locker. Students should see Mrs. Maloney to acquire a locker. Lockers are made available for the entire year, only if the student is participating in ensembles and/or private lessons.
  2. Practice Rooms: Only students participating in ensembles and/or private lessons may have access to our practice rooms. At the beginning of each semester students may sign up for a practice time in a practice room. That becomes your designated practice time and room for the semester. Pianists enrolled at Level III or IV may use a practice room two hours a day. All other students may sign up for one hour.
  3. Multimedia Room: The Multimedia Room, located in Olin Library, is available to any student in the College. It houses a collection of approximately 5,300 CDs, DVDs, tapes and cassettes, and approximately 4,300 scores. Also available is reference material for courses offered by the Department. CDs, DVDs, scores and books may not be removed from the Multimedia Room.
  4. Bemis Music Room: The Bemis Music Room, located on the second floor of Peirce Hall, is an integral part of the facilities of the Department. It is used for classes, ensembles, and recitals. Students wanting to use the room for rehearsal purpose should request permission of Mrs. Maloney in the Music Department.
  5. Musical Instruments owned by the Department: The Department has a limited number of musical instruments which may be borrowed by students taking lessons and/or participating in ensembles. The student and/or applied faculty member should see Mrs. Maloney to sign out instruments. Instruments may not leave campus without written permission. It is VERY IMPORTANT that the instrument be returned to Mrs. Maloney after the last lesson or ensemble rehearsal/performance. Failure to do so will result in the student being billed for the replacement value of the instrument.

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See the Course Catalog for detailed descriptions. Courses may be repeated unless otherwise specified. Ensembles normally earn .25 unit of credit per semester, but certain situations arise in which students may only be permitted to register for .13 unit of credit. Be certain to verify your status with the instructor of the course when enrolling. There is no additional fee for ensemble participation. Ensembles must have a minimum of four enrolled students. See pages two and three for audition schedules and instructions.

Musical Theater Workshop MUSC 483 (Marcellana)

The Kenyon Community Choir MUSC 471 (Locke) Placement and/or permission of instructor.

Chamber Singers MUSC 473, 474 (Locke) Audition required.

Symphonic Wind Ensemble MUSC 479 (Heuchemer) Placement by hearing at beginning of semester.

Flute Choir MUSC 475 (Stimson) Audition required.

Guitar Ensemble MUSC 478 (TBA). Audition required.

Early Music Ensemble MUSC 481 (Heuchemer) (not offered every year, check Course Listing)

Asian Music Ensemble MUSC 485 (Mendonça) Permission of instructor.

Woodwind Chamber Ensemble MUSC 476 (Sorton) Audition required.

String Chamber Ensemble MUSC 477 (Biava) Audition required.

Kenyon Jazz Ensemble MUSC 480 (Buehrer) Audition required.

Percussion Ensemble MUSC 482 (C. Dachtyl) Audition required.

Harp Ensemble MUSC 486 (Thompson) Audition required.

Saxophone Ensemble MUSC 487 (Clark) Audition required.

The Knox County Symphony MUSC 472 (Locke) Students with prior musical training in string, woodwinds or brass can develop their skills by performing with the Knox County Symphony. Audition required.

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Being an usher at Music Department events is expected of both majors and minors! Mrs. Maloney will contact you about this responsibility.

Requirements for the Major

The minimum requirement of 5.75 units is distributed as follows:

  • Theory: 1.5 units (MUSC 121-122 and 222)
  • History: 1.5 units (MUSC 102 and two of MUSC 202-205)
  • Ethnomusicology: .5 units (MUSC 206)
  • Electives: 1.5 units (MUSC 302-324 or additional from MUSC 202-205, 221 and special topics seminars)
  • Applied study/performance: .75 unit (3 semesters of 50-minute lessons) compiled from applied lessons at Level II or above.
  • Senior Exercises
  • Piano Proficiency: For students whose major instrument is not piano, two semesters of 25-minute piano lessons (.13 credit) with a minimum grade of B+ (3.33) is required per semester. Fees are waived for two semesters of .13 credit lessons. Should the minimum (B+) grade average not be maintained, the student is responsible for covering the expense of additional piano instruction. NOTE: Department guidelines with respect to make-up lessons also apply to piano proficiency lessons.

Requirements for the Minor

The minimum requirement of 2.875 units is distributed as follows:
  • Theory: 1 unit (MUSC 121-122)
  • History: 1 unit (MUSC 102 and one of MUSC 202-205)
  • Electives: .5 unit (MUSC 103, 206, 221,222, 302-331, 391-392 or additional music from MUSC 202-205)
  • Applied study/performance: .375 unit (3 semesters of 25-minute lessons) compiled from applied lessons at Level II or above.

Senior Exercises for the Major

The Senior Exercise in music consists of two major componenets: the comprehensive examination and the independent research/performance project.

Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination evaluates student knowledge acquired in both required and elective courses. It is intended to address the major areas of study within the music major--theory, history, ethnomusicology, and applied study. The music department faculty will determine and announce the format and schedule of the comprehensive examination during the fall semester of the senior year.

Independent Research/Performance Project
Majors can choose from the following types of independent research/performance projects:

  • A music theory or music history paper (30-40 pages) with a public presentation
  • A composition of at least 10 minutes (with a related 20-page paper) with a public presentation/written component
  • A lecture/recital of at least 50-60 minutes total length (with a related 20-page paper) as a public performance/written component
  • Performance of a recital 50-60 minutes on the student's major instrument (with a related 10-page paper)

Oral Examination
Within a few days of the presentation of the independent project, students will have a brief (30 minute) oral examination with the music faculty. This conversation allows students to assess the success of their projects, address issues that came up during the process or the presentation, and answer specific questions that pertain to the project or that tie the project to larger themes in the music curriculum.

Programs/Materials/Hearing
Students presenting a recital/project/composition must submit a program plan approved by their applied teacher or project advisor (faculty) by May 1 of their junior year to the Department Chair. For recitals, any omissions from the expected content of a selection (verses, variations, movements, etc.) must be listed at this time with reasons for the omission.

Memorization of materials for most solo works is mandatory. Check with the Department Chair for clarification. The Department will notify the student whether the proposal has been accepted, accepted with modifications, or rejected. Final proposals are due October 1 of the senior year.

Three days before the preliminary hearing, a program, the program notes, and translations (if applicable) for all senior exercises should be given to Mrs. Maloney. Ask to study sample programs in her office. All other written materials--papers and composition scores--should be complete and presented to the advisor three days before the preliminary hearing.

Two weeks prior to the recital/presentation date, the student must stand for a preliminary hearing and be prepared to perform the entire recital, composition, or presentation, including, where applicable, spoken comments and examples for a panel composed of the adjunct teacher (where relevant) and the classroom faculty. It is imperative that the student treat the hearing as a full-fledged public appearance, even though it is not open to the public.

Semi-formal dress for the hearing is expected, though performers should be prepared to state what their concert dress will be. Programs with program notes and translations (if applicable) should be provided for all faculty members at the hearing. One copy of all required written work for the senior exercise should be brought to the hearing. For recitals and lecture-recitals there should be one copy of every piece of music being presented. Any pieces of music or spoken text that do not meet the performance standards by majority vote of the faculty will be automatically cut from the program. If insufficient materials remain to make a complete program of reasonable length, the public presentation will be postponed until later in the semester. In such case, another preliminary hearing must be held with the same requirements as the first. Failure to meet these standards and deadlines will result in a cancellation of the presentation.

Senior exercises of exceptional quality will be awarded "distinction." The decision to award distinction will be made by the classroom faculty after all senior exercises have been presented.

Two complete copies of the senior exercise are submitted (one to the project advisor and one to the Music Department office) within a week after the exercise is publicly presented.

Honors

Qualifications: Students applying for Honors projects must have a 3.33 departmental grade point average. GPA standards must be maintained for the duration of the project. Certain course work within the Department may be required. The Honors project must be discrete from the Senior Exercise. All Honors candidates must also successfully complete a regular Department senior exercise.

Upon declaring the major, students will be informed of the possibility of Honors work. The student must then take the initiative to talk to a faculty member about an Honors proposal. Once a student has come up with a proposal to the faculty member, the faculty member will then pass it on to the Department Chair, who will discuss it with the regular classroom faculty. Deadline for proposals for Senior Honors is MAY 1 of the student's junior year. Senior Honors is two semesters in duration, with the presentation at the end of the second semester. Students should enroll in MUSC 497-498. Each Honors candidate must stand for preliminary hearing similar to that required for the senior exercise (see the discussion on the previous page). The evaluation process will include an outside examiner, and one complete copy of the Honors project must be sent to him or her before the preliminary hearing (Mrs. Maloney will assist with this requirement). If at any time the process of pursuing an Honors project the faculty advisor or the Department feels that Honors-level standard and/or deadlines are not being met, approval for Honors may be revoked.

Each project will contain a written component as defined in the written proposal. The outside examiner will join the Department in interviewing the Honors candidate after the presentation. The deadline for completing a project/presentation is MAY 1 of the senior year. Within a week after the Honors project is presented, three complete copies of the senior exercise are submitted (one to the faculty advisor, one to the Music Office, and one to Olin Library).

The outside examiner will determine the level of Honors achieved. In accordance with College guidelines, a successful Honors project may be awarded the following levels of honors:
Honors: the student has met most or all of the goals as outlined in the initial Honors proposal.
High Honors: the student has met all and exceeded some of the goals as outlined in the proposal. Highest Honors: the student has exceeded all the goals as outlined in the proposal.

Awards

The Department will pay for any recording or program printing costs. Limited funds are available for special scores, CDs, etc. Discuss this with your advisor, who will present the proposal to the Department. Incidental costs (general copying, etc.) are the responsibility of the student. Each year the Department determines the recipients of the following awards:

The David B. Perry Music Prize is a cash award provided by funds from David B. Perry of the Class of 1966; given annually to the student or students who have provided outstanding service to the Kenyon community through their musical activities.

The David B. Perry Senior Music Major Award is a cash award given annually to a senior Music Major; recognizing outstanding academic achievement during four years in the Kenyon Music Department.

The Thomas B. and Mary M. Greenslade Award in Music Performance is given annually to the student or students who have given the most outstanding solo performance or series of performances during the current academic year. In order to be considered for this prize for the 2012-2013 academic year, aspirants must have given a performance by March 1, 2012. Performances after this date will be eligible in the 2013-2014 academic year.

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The Music Department views concert ushering as a very important duty, and as a result urges students to accept it as a serious responsibility. The usher is the Department's initial contact with the broader community and as such provides an opportunity to establish a positive concert atmosphere prior to the beginning of a performance. Poor ushering often results in a confused audience and may also anger the performers. When a person neglects his/her ushering responsibility, the audience is left without a readily available source of information and the Department appears unprofessional.

Here are some basic guidelines for effective ushering:

  • Do not forget which events you have signed up for. Mark them on your calendar. Not showing up will be treated as a serious offense.
  • Show up early--at least thirty minutes BEFORE the scheduled start of the performance. Showing up late makes the Department appear unprofessional, and such things are noticed by visitors.
  • Show up knowing where the relevant programs are stored. Also, know when and where a post-concert reception will be.
  • Look nice! Wear something "smart," as you are going to be seen by the public and are acting as a representative of the Department and the College.
  • Treat everyone with respect, even if they do not/are not doing the same with you. Smile and be friendly! Do not "lose your cool" or get angry at people--even if they are not treating you very well and/or are being rude.
  • Ensure that everyone receives a program before they enter the hall.
  • Try, to the best of your ability, to maintain the rules of concert etiquette:
    1. Do not let people into the hall while performers are "active" on stage. Ask them to wait.
    2. Allow late-comers into the hall only at points of applause.
    3. Try to keep late-comers quiet as they wait to enter the hall.
  • Answer any questions posed, and seek out a faculty member, should a question arise that you cannot answer and that you think is important.
  • Do not physically restrain anybody--if they force themselves in, let them go. Notify a faculty member or Safety should a safety problem arise.
  • Do not leave your ushering post unless a problem requires finding a faculty member.

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