School of Music

Student Handbook

 

College of Liberal Arts

Altgeld hall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007-2008
SIUC School of Music
Student Handbook

Introduction

School of Music Mission

School of Music Goals

Advisement and Registration

Private Lessons, Convocations and Recital Attendance

Major Ensemble Policy

Use of School Instruments

Instrument Rental Fees

Lockers and Locks

Practice Rooms and Keys

Listening Room/Computer Lab

Center for Experimental Music

Building Hours

Scheduling of Facilities

Important Dates

Scheduling of Recitals

Upper Division Examination

Orchestra Solo Competition

Teacher Education Program

Music Education in the School of Music

CMENC

Music Business Association

Scholarships

Graduate Programs

Music Fraternity Organizations

Student Work Jobs

Recording Services

What Else?

Altgeld Hall

 


Introduction
Welcome to the School of Music at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. We hope that your studies here will be productive, challenging, and enjoyable. This handbook is not meant to replace the University catalog or schedule book. However, it may provide you with a quick and concise answer to some of our most frequently asked questions. If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

School of Music Mission
The School of Music is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence through the development of an art which enables the individual to find meaning and fulfillment as an educated member of society, as an expressive human being, and as an artist. This mission is primarily fulfilled by providing educational opportunities which prepare students for graduation with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees and careers in music or music-related fields. The School of Music strives to advance the art of music by promoting the research/creative activities of its students and faculty. It also seeks to enrich the lives of all members of the University and the region by means of a continuing program of concerts, educational offerings, scholarly/artistic exchanges, and outreach programs.

 

School of Music Goals
1. To provide educational opportunities which prepare students for graduation with baccalaureate and graduate degrees and for careers in music and music-related fields.
2. To provide a variety of musical experiences and opportunities for the study of music for the general university student.
3. To stimulate the creative participation of the music faculty in musical performance and composition, in scholarly research and in the personal quest for more effective methods of teaching.
4. To enhance the musical growth in the region through public concerts on campus and in area communities and schools.
5. To provide educational resources in support of professional growth for non-university students, professional performers and teachers and others concerned with the art and practice of music.
6. To work cooperatively with other programs of the University in a supportive and mutually advantageous way.
7. To develop a continuing exchange of ideas with artists and scholars, both in this country and abroad.

 

Advisement and Registration
To enroll in classes at SIUC, you must register with an advisor and have your schedule entered into the computer. Students do this in the Altgeld Hall with our Music Advisor. The School of Music Advisement Office is located in room 102. Hours for the advisor are posted by the door. Initial registration is dependent upon your acceptance by the University and receipt of all necessary transcripts. Continuing registration requires both your academic record and bursar's account to be in good standing.
There are important dates each semester which determine when you can add and drop classes. Please check with your academic advisor for the semester in question. These dates will also be posted in the lobby of the Altgeld Hall. IMPORTANT: If you plan to graduate, be sure you fill out the required application form before the end of the first week of your last semester.
Ultimately, it is your personal responsibility to ensure that you have fulfilled all requirements for graduation. Go through a graduation check with your advisor. But even more importantly, keep track of where you are in your program every semester. Waiting until the last semester to verify things is too late!

 

Private Lessons, Convocations and Recital Attendance
All music degree programs require concentrated study in one instrumental or vocal performance area. These individual classes, called "applied music," consist of a half hour or full hour lesson (depending upon credit hour enrollment) once each week and participation in studio classes and convocations as described below. Lessons for each semester are generally scheduled with instructors during the first week of classes.


All students who are enrolled in applied music for two or more credit hours are required to attend studio class on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m., convocations in Shryock during the first studio class of each month (or as scheduled), and at least seven approved recitals or concerts in which you are not a participant. Recital attendance is registered on a blue card available from your applied teacher. Convocation performances should be a regular part of every applied student's work. These are scheduled through your teacher.


Most of our ensemble concerts require a scholarship donation of $3 for general public and $2 for students and Sr. Citizens. School of Music students will be admitted to these concerts free by obtaining a "Music Major Card" from the Main Office at the beginning of the year.

 

Major Ensemble Policy
All music majors are required to be enrolled in a major ensemble every term of residence. Major ensembles include Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Choral Union, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Guitar Ensemble, and for upper level piano majors, Accompanying Lab. Check with conductors of each ensemble for audition information.

 

Use of School Instruments
School instruments are available for supplementary instrument classes and in special cases for students who do not have their own instruments. The loan of instruments is at the discretion of individual faculty members and subject to rules and fees of the school.

 

Instrument Rental Fees
Each semester all music majors who are registered in applied music will have a $20 "Instrument Rental Fee" applied to their bursar's bill. This is a maintenance fee for practice rooms, pianos, and other classroom instruments. This fee will also be charged to non-music majors who wish to use School of Music instruments each semester.

 

Lockers and Locks
Lockers are available in Altgeld for use by music students. Your choice of a locker must be approved by and registered with the Main Office. Use of a locker requires a $5 deposit. Lockers must be emptied and locks returned at the end of Spring Semester or renewed and returned at the end of Summer Semester. The deposit is returned. Otherwise, lockers are cleared and deposits are forfeited. Personal locks may not be used. Unauthorized locks will be cut from lockers.

 

Practice Rooms and Keys
Practice rooms are available to students for the 2nd floor of Altgeld. Music majors may reserve two hours a day in a practice room time per day. All of the rooms are locked. Keys are lent to music students with proof of applied registration and the signing of a loan contract. Lost keys or keys returned after the deadline on the contract will result in a charge of $25 applied to your bursar's bill. No food or drink is allowed in practice rooms. Students who violate this rule will have their practice room key revoked. All keys must be returned or renewed by May of each year.

 

Listening Room/Computer Lab
Altgeld 107 houses audio playback equipment and computer work stations for ear training practice. (You must provide your own headphones.) This facility is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The lab may also be open some evening and weekend hours, depending upon the scheduling of student help. Check the door to the room for additional hours.

 

Center for Experimental Music
The Center for Experimental Music (CEM) is a fully equipped multi-station computer music studio for composition, interactive performance and music publishing. Students work on projects with faculty and learn synthetic hardware technology, such as sound editing, processing, sampling and recording, and integrated software programs. Access to CEM requires a small per semester fee and is restricted to Composition students and other approved Music Majors. For more information, contact Dr. Stemper.

 

Building Hours
Altgeld practice rooms and the Old Baptist Foundation are open as follows:
Regular semester:
Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.:
Sunday: 12 noon - 6:00 p.m.
Between Semesters:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: variable
Holidays: Closed.

 

Scheduling of Facilities
Classrooms and rehearsal areas can be scheduled by music students on a limited basis through the main office. This requires a faculty sponsor and can only be done when the building is normally open.

 

Important Dates
Convocations (10:00 AM)
Thursday, August 25: New Student Convocation, Altgeld 112
Tuesday, Sept. 6: Convocation, OBF Recital Hall (Faculty perf.)
Tuesday, Oct. 4: Convocation, Shryock Auditorium
Tuesday, Nov. 1: Convocation, OBF Recital Hall
Tuesday, Dec. 6: Convocation, Shryock Auditorium
Thursday, Dec. 8: Convocation, OBF Recital Hall
Tuesday, Feb. 7: Convocation, Shryock Auditorium
Tuesday, Feb. 28: Convocation, OBF Recital Hall
Tuesday, April 4: Convocation, OBF Recital Hall
Tuesday, May 2: Convocation, Shryock Auditorium
Thursday, May 4: Convocation, OBF Recital Hall

 

Other Events


Fall 2005
Monday, August 22: Fall Semester Begins
Monday, Sept. 5: Labor Day Holiday
Saturday, Nov. 5: IMEA District VI Jazz Festival
Friday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day
Saturday - Sunday, Nov. 19-Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Vacation
Friday, Dec. 9: Upper Division Examinations
Saturday, Dec. 17: Commencement

 

Spring 2006
Monday, Jan. 16: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Holiday
Monday, Jan. 17: Spring Semester Begins
Sat. - Sunday, March 11-19: Spring Break
Sunday, April 9: Honors Day
Friday, May 5: Upper Division Examinations
Friday, May 12: COLA Commencement

 

Scheduling of Recitals
With approval of your applied teacher, recital dates can be reserved through the main office by completing the "Scheduling Request" form. This should be done at least one semester in advance.

 

Upper Division Examination
All students wishing to begin applied study at the 340 level, must first pass the Upper Division Examination. This performance for the entire faculty is offered once each fall and spring semester on the Friday afternoon of the last day of classes. Undergraduate transfer students are required to spend at least one semester at the 240 level before taking the Upper Division Examination.

 

Orchestra Solo Competition
Each fall semester the School of Music offers auditions for student soloists who wish to perform with the SIUC Symphony Orchestra. The location and time of these auditions is posted sometime during the fall semester and application forms are then available through the main office. Students must have their applied teacher's permission to apply and must also obtain the Orchestra conductor's approval of the score to be performed. Competition judges may select zero to four winners who then receive a monetary award, a certificate of merit, and the opportunity to perform with the orchestra on a spring concert.

 

Teacher Education Program
In addition to your general education, music and music education courses, students pursuing the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education will take seven courses in the College of Education and student teach for a full semester. As part of your degree, and to enroll in most of your education courses, you must apply to the College of Education for entry into the Teacher Education Program. This may be done when you have completed 30 semester hours and met the other requirements listed in the undergraduate catalog. Application forms may be obtained at 135 Wham (Student Services). You will also need to get a grade verification form completed in the College of Education and obtain three recommendations. There are two application deadlines a year, September 20 and February 20.


When you have been accepted by the College of Education, they will ask the School of Music for our approval. The Music Education Committee will meet with you and inform the College of Education whether you are approved to continue in the program. The School of Music is currently limited in the number of students that can enter at any given time.


Other important phases in the teacher education program include application for student teaching, taking the certification exam and establishing a placement file. For information on any aspect of music education, please see the Coordinator of Music Education.

 

Music Education in the School of Music
Many opportunities exist in the School of Music to help you prepare for the challenging profession of music teaching. The Lab ensemble offers experience conducting and playing secondary instruments. Students serve as paid assistants for various summer music camps held at SIUC and teach private students during the year. Outstanding teachers and conductors visit campus. Activities such as the Heartland Honor Band attract talented young musicians. As you involve yourself in these hands-on activities and CMENC (described below), what you learn in your courses will acquire more meaning and your skill and confidence will grow. (Scheduling note: Instrumental music education majors should take brass technique class [MUS034] during their sophomore year to avoid a conflict with music history in their junior year.)

 

CMENC
The Collegiate Music Educators National Conference is the student professional organization in music education. The local chapter elects officers, plans monthly programs on topics from jazz education to teachers' unions, and attends MENC conventions where they hear outstanding ensembles, share experiences with students from other colleges, meet experienced teachers and view the displays of instruments and music. Members receive the Music Educators Journal and the state journal. Membership information and forms can be obtained from the CMENC advisor.

Music Business Association
The Music Business Association is a student professional organization whose purpose is to: 1) provide an opportunity for networking and camaraderie among both students majoring in music business at SIUC and also other students interested in the music industry; 2) furnish a forum for topical programs, speakers and demonstrations that give focus to areas of interest to its members and/or otherwise enhance the present music business curriculum at SIUC; 3) build a library of resources and a network of SIUC music business alumni for use by MBA members, particularly graduating seniors, to facilitate placement in an ever competitive job market; 4) develop and maintain organization projects (e.g. promotional services to the SIUC School of Music, SIUC music ensembles or local bands) that allow MBA members hands-on experience in a variety of facets of the music industry; 5) nurture a sense of community within the SIUC School of Music and as that community, play a role in impacting the future of the music business curriculum at SIUC.

 

Scholarships
Financial assistance in the form of music scholarships is available to new and continuing students. New students must complete a School of Music scholarship audition application form and audition either in person or by tape. Continuing students may apply each Spring for awards made the following Fall. These awards, funded through university tuition waivers, endowments, concert revenue and Friends of the School of Music, are available to any music major in good standing. Faculty members of the student’s primary instrument and/or major area recommend the amounts of these awards. Applications and forms for faculty recommendations are made available in the main office between January and the March deadline as posted each year.
Several endowed scholarships are available each year to new and continuing students. These are awarded by various faculty committees and do not involve student applications. Criteria vary but usually include academic grade point, talent, and student involvement in and contributions to ensembles.

 

Graduate Programs
Seniors interested in pursuing a Masters degree at SIUC should see the Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Stemper, in Altgeld Hall 102, regarding programs of study, graduate assistantships, and fellowships. Undergraduate students within 12 semester hours of completing requirements for the bachelor's degree may apply to register for graduate courses for graduate credit. Check the graduate catalog for additional information. All graduate assistants asking to be renewed for a second year are required to apply for Work/Study Program eligibility.

 

Music Fraternity Organizations
Three special organizations provide students with additional opportunities to participate in professional activities. Founded in 1903, Mu Phi Epsilon is an International Music Fraternity for men and women dedicated to the advancement of musicianship and scholarship. The Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation, and the Fraternity, offers scholarships to various annual music festivals and grants-in-aid. The Foundation also sponsors an International Competition that is open to outstanding artist members of Mu Phi Epsilon and awards a two-year concert tour. Epsilon Kappa, SIUC's chapter was chartered on May 14, 1950.


Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the oldest and largest national professional music fraternity for men, is represented on the SIUC by the Epsilon Kappa Chapter. The fraternity was founded in 1898 and its purposes are: to encourage and actively support the highest standards of creativity, performance, education and research in America; to develop and encourage loyalty to the Alma Mater; to foster the mutual welfare and brotherhood of students of music; to develop the truest fraternal spirit among its members; and to instill in all people an awareness of music's important role in the enrichment of the human spirit. Any male student who has an active interest in music is eligible for membership.
Sigma Alpha Iota, the newest organization in the School of Music, is open to any woman who participates in a School of Music ensemble. This is an independent organization formed by a group of women in the School of Music at SIUC in March of 1994 and received their charter in May of 1998. Their objectives are to serve SIU, the community, and the School of Music, to promote the growth of composition, scholarship and music education, and to unite women in the bonds of sisterhood through music.

 

Student Work Jobs
The School of Music hires students to help in the main office, the band office, at concerts and recitals, and in recording services. Check with supervisors in those areas for availability of positions. Student instructors are also used in the Summer Music Festival. Those instructor applications are available during the Spring semester.

 

Recording Service Policies

1. Undergraduate recitals are not recorded automatically. If you wish to contract with Recording Services the fee must be paid at the time your scheduling request is received. All fees go towards maintaining and purchasing equipment.
2. Scheduling requests made less than two weeks before recital date may not be recorded due to conflicts. Fees are reimbursed if recording or recital does not take place.
3. Graduate recitals are recorded automatically if part of the degree requirement.
4. University Ensembles and faculty recitals are recorded automatically.
5. Visiting artist recitals are recorded only with the permission of the performer.
6. Masters of all recordings are kept on file by the Recording Service.
7. Each performer will receive one copy of the recording free of charge. Larger ensemble performers need to pay for copies.
8. Copies of recordings are available by request to the School of Music Main Office. Some recordings of faculty and guest artists may not be available if the performers do not give permission to copy. All copies must adhere to Copyright Law.
9. Master recordings are made using a selection of high-quality microphones and recording equipment. It is up to the discretion of the Recording Engineer as to the setup of the recording.
10. Recording sessions for the making of contest and audition recordings are possible. Please contact the Recording Service as soon as possible to make arrangements, as the facilities are often difficult to schedule. A deposit may be required.

What Else?
SIUC is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. This relationship assures constant evaluation of our quality by an external, objective organization, and continuous self-evaluation aimed at maintaining the rigorous standards required for accreditation.
But this does not mean we are resting on our laurels. What can we do to improve our services and enhance your experiences at the university? A large educational institution such as SIUC provides many opportunities for diverse experiences, but also holds the potential for bureaucratic potholes and frustrations. While forms, regulations and operating procedures are a necessary part of the bureaucracy, the faculty and staff of the School of Music want to help you get through any problems you encounter and assist you in meeting your educational goals. Do you have questions, problems, or suggestions? Do not hesitate to speak with office staff, music faculty, your academic advisor, or the Director of the School. We want to help.

 

 

Altgeld Hall:

Altgeld Hall was the second building constructed at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and now is the oldest remaining building on the campus. The 39th Illinois General Assembly appropriated $40,000 for the construction of what was then called the Old Science Building. Gov. John P. Altgeld approved the legislation on June 7, 1895. About a year and a half later, on December 22, 1896, the building was dedicated in Gov. Altgeld’s name and became home to the science library, laboratories for the departments of physics, chemistry and biology and a gymnasium facility. In Fall of 2004, the School of Music moved back into a completely renovated facility after an $11 million and almost three year project.

 

Music at Southern Today
Vocal music has been taught at SIUC since at least 1883 when the catalog of courses for that year indicated a combined Department of Physical Exercises and Vocal Music. The function of this unit was described in this way.


“This is to give grace and symmetry to the frame, and volume and culture to the voice. Daily exercises in movement of limbs and body are conducted in the main hall of the University. Vocal music is practiced and taught so as to give the student a good knowledge of the art and practice of singing, so that he can conduct the music of a school and inspire the scholar to cultivate and love this refining and ennobling duty of the sweet voice.”


Today the SIUC School of Music offers Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts and Master of Music degrees with many different specializations. In addition to serving the general university student through the Core Curriculum, we teach more than 200 music majors and offer more than 100 concerts and recitals every year on campus and throughout the region.