Things to think about...
Links
English Assignment #1
English Assignment #2 References Page
English Assignment #3
Eastern Illinois University has an extensive field for anyone interested in becoming a part of the chorus. One, depending on gender, can join the Concert Choir, the Women’s Choir, or the Mixed Choir. The women’s choir, which is comprised of a fairly large amount of singers, sings a variety of music made especially for their vocal talents. “The chorus performs a minimum of two concerts per semester and is often invited to participate in additional performance opportunities.” (http://www.eiu.edu/~music/choral/text/women’schoirsyllabus.html) The class meets three days a week under the direction of Patricia S. Poulter, Ed.D. Ms. Poulter will assess the performers on their musical ability for their grades. Concert Choir is another path a student can take while on the road to a major in the Music Department. Under the direction of Professor Richard Rossi, the fairly large group of singers assembles twice a week. (Thomas, 2002)
“Concert Choir is an auditioned choir that is taken from the University Chorus that performs a large selection of short and medium length choral compositions by significant composers from early classics to notable contemporary works.” (http://www.eiu.edu/~music/choral/text/concertchoirsyllabus.html) The selections use a unique group of mainly a capella music or music that is sung with light instrumentation. The only way a student can be part of Concert Choir, is by already enrolled in University Chorus and auditioning for the Concert Choir. (Thomas, 2002)
For those who wish not to participate in the vocal branches of Eastern Illinois University’s music program, there are many options to play different types of instruments in different types of groups. One option is Jazz. The jazz program at Eastern Illinois University has very many parts to it. The Jazz Combo Program, under the direction of Simon Rowe has several parts to it that meet twice a week. “The groups perform two concerts per semester and the top combo usually will do off-campus performances.” (http://www.eiu.edu/~eiujazz/Groups.html)
The jazz ensemble is another part of the many sections of the jazz programs at Eastern Illinois University. Directed by Sam Fagaly, the Jazz Ensemble has been awarded several awards for their exceptional skills in the jazz field of music. “The band has received so much recognition, that in 1994, the group performed with legendary jazz artists Mel Torme, Dizzy Gillespie, Diane Schuur and Joe Williams.” (http:/www.eiu.edu/~eiujazz/Groups.html)
Another part of the numerous branches of the jazz department is Jazz Lab Band. This group, directed by Simon Rowe, performs several concerts a year. This group will help students learn how to play in large band groups. The groups will focus on the basics for understanding and improving their styles. (http:/www.eiu.edu/~eiujazz/Groups.html)
For those whom want to study jazz and earn a degree in doing so, Jazz Studies is a possible option for the Bachelor of Music Degree. The program will allow the student to study the fundamentals of jazz music as well as being a part of the actual performances. “Students who wish to become Jazz Studies majors are required to perform the standard instrumental audition, plus demonstrate improvisational ability and jazz skills related to their particular instrument.” (http://www.eiu.edu/~eiujazz/prospective_students.html) From Applied Jazz Studies to Jazz Arranging, Eastern Illinois University offers many classes related to a Jazz Studies major.
At the beginning of the fall semester, students can audition for any of Eastern Illinois University’s jazz groups. The audition, which is open to all Eastern Illinois University students, will have the performer demonstrate their skills in sight reading and written material. Although optional in big band auditions, improvisation is required in all combo auditions. “The annual Eastern Illinois University Jazz Festival is designed to offer a performing and learning experience for both the participating high school ensembles and their host.” (http://www.eiu.edu/~eiujazz/Handbook.html) Though not required, students can take trips to other universities and observe several artists or combos. On occasion, Eastern Illinois University will travel to certain universities that certain students express their fascination in. A Jazz Piano performer will demonstrate their talents before a panel of faculty every semester.
There are several tasks a student of the Jazz Studies Degree Program must complete if he or she wants to continue on to receive his or her degree. A demonstration of their instrumental talents along with an acceptable grade point average in several different courses is absolutely needed. Many different factors determine the course of the Jazz Studies availability. Jazz Studies Majors are needed to join a jazz group each semester. “After completion of the Jazz Junior Standing Jury, the major ensemble requirement may be satisfied by participation in either the EIU Jazz Ensemble or the EIU Jazz Lab Band.” (http://www.eiu.edu/~eiujazz/Handbook.html) Until needed, all music majors will need to comply with the requirement. A strong push for enrollment in outside ensembles is also displayed. A Jazz Studies Junior Standing Jury is also needed to be passed before a student can move on to perform their Junior Recital. The Jazz Studies Junior Standing Jury, which is done at the end of one year in residence or whenever suitable for both the student and jazz faculty members, will test the performer’s ability to comprehend major and minor scales, all jazz scales, sight reading, aural skills, and two contrasting jazz pieces with rhythm section. The audition will determine whether the student can take courses at that 3000 level. The panel will be comprised of several different faculty members of different music departments. (http://www.eiu.edu/~eiujazz/Handbook.html)
There will be three recitals performed by all Jazz Studies majors. A passing grade is needed by the faculty panel to complete these recitals. The sophomore recital will emphasize on solo literature. The time allowed for the recital is 25 minutes. The junior recital will be comprised of half solo literature, and half group improvisation. The time allowed for the recital is 50 minutes. The senior jazz recital will be composed of a small group improvisation, one original composition, and one arrangement for big bang. The time allowed for that recital is also 50 minutes. All recitals will be viewed by faculty members of designated areas. (http://www.eiu.edu/~eiujazz/Handbook.html)
After an extensive look at how a student can achieve his or her degree through instrumental music (namely jazz), students aren’t limited to just singing or playing instruments. Students at Eastern Illinois University can also learn to learn and teach music. “The application of Admission to Teacher Education takes place after you have completed 29 semester hours, established a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5, and taken and passed the TAP (Test of Achievement and Proficiency). (http://www.ux1.eiu.edu/~cfpsc/text/med/html) A mandatory meeting that is held early in the semester in through the college of education is a big step in completing the task of gaining teacher certification. You can retake the test if not selected to try and better your previous score. Teacher Certification is only attainable by first being accepted into Teacher Education. Approval by the department will be granted no earlier than two full semesters before the student teaching, and no later than midterm of the semester before the student teaching. The faculty will look over the student’s commitment, personal suitability for the profession, and musical understanding. If the faculty find the student unable to obtain approval due to lack of any of the following requirements, he or she will be asked to have more involvement and study in the area that is below requirements, or a removal from the music education program. (http://www.ux1.eiu.edu/~cfpsc/text/med/html)
Coordinators will help place students in areas he or she would like to teach. A determined effort will be made to place the student in an adequate area, but the Department of Student Teaching Area Coordinators must meet with the student one full year before he or she is placed. The Master of Arts program is set up to provide advanced preparation for teaching or perhaps further graduate study. “A core of music courses required for the degree provides essential background in history, literature, research and analysis. Other specialized courses, seminars, and individual studies in performance, pedagogy, conduction, composition, literature, and theory aid the student in achieving career goals.” (http://www.eiu.edu/~music/graduate/grad_brochure.html) To be accepted into the program, the student must have achieved a degree from a college or university and maintained a grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. On top of an accredited degree in music, a student must have sufficient musical experience and give a detailed resume and portfolio to complete a personal interview. In band, jazz, accompanying, percussion, music theatre, and other areas, a Graduate Assistantships are available. Information can be received from the Chair or the Graduate Coordination of the Department of Music. The students that wish to apply for these Graduate Assistantships are required to finish a Department along with a Graduate School Assistantship Application form. After admission is granted graduate study, every graduate student is needed to take tests in music history, literature, theory, and aural skills. The tests are given very early of the semester or during registration. The examinations are used to find possible deficiencies in undergraduate work; if so, remedial work is prescribed. During the first semester of graduate study or before the completion of 12 hours of graduate courses, the course of study will be determined by the student and the Graduate Coordinator. The course of study will be comprised of several different courses from the necessary core and a desired specific area of study. “Five concentrations are offered: Vocal Performance, Instrumental Performance, Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy, Music Education, and Conducting. (With the approval of graduate Steering Committee of the Department of Music it is possible to develop a more specialized course of study that includes courses from various concentrations)” (http://www.eiu.edu/~music/graduate/grad_brochure.html)
The course of study will be noted on a study plan with several copies for the student, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Dean of the Graduate school the student would like to enroll in. A meeting between the Graduate Coordinator and the student will be made to appoint a member of the graduate faculty of the Department of Music as the student’s thesis or recital advisor. The requested area in which the student has expressed his or her desires will be noted and allowed. “With the exception of students in the Music Education concentration (for whom a thesis is optional), all students are required to write a thesis or present a graduate recital.” (http://www.eiu.edu/~music/grduate/grad_brochure.html) The thesis needed to be submitted can be a written paper or, for the composers, a composition and analysis. The class MUS 5950 should be registered for in the semester in which the paper or composition shall be completed. Thesis Advisors will help guide the student in the creation of the thesis. The advisor will then distribute the final copy amongst a committee for further correction. When all corrections are made and done, the final copy will be given seven days prior to the final oral exam that is taken. Any information or guideline shall be given from the Graduate School Office. The examination committee that will be evaluating the student will consist of four faculty members. From the Department of Music, at least three of the four members
