School of Music

Credit for Ensembles

Credit is awarded for participation in all ensembles. Each ensemble earns .25 credit per semester, but grades earned in these ensembles are not calculated in the GPA.

For students in the School of Music course credits for ensembles are counted in addition to the course credits currently required for graduation by the degree program (31 credits for the B.M. or B.M.A. degree or 33 credits for the B.M.E. degree). Credit for only one major and one chamber ensemble per semester may count toward the number of ensembles required for graduation by the degree program.

For music majors in the College of Liberal Arts (B.A. degree), credit for only one major and one chamber ensemble may count toward the number of ensembles required for graduation and toward the course credit total required for graduation.

Students will not be charged overload fees for ensembles, and students may take 4.5 credits plus various ensembles without incurring overload penalties.

The policy on ensemble credit was passed by the faculty on May 1, 2000, with modifications to the implementation plan approved by the faculty on April 1, 2002.

Criteria for fulfilling participation

In order to receive credit for participation in a major ensemble students are expected to fulfill a significant musical role in the ensemble for a full semester. This normally means performing in all public appearances by the ensemble, unless excused by the conductor. It also means that the repertory performed by the ensemble must provide an opportunity for the student to play or sing the majority of works performed. If during a given semester the repertory performed by the ensemble does not include a performance opportunity for the student’s particular medium, no participation credit is granted.

Ensemble Requirements

A. Major ensembles

Each School of Music student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of one major ensemble each semester in residence in his/her primary instrument. (For keyboard students, participation in an ensemble on a secondary instrument may be substituted.)

Approved by the music faculty, March 14, 2002

The same requirement applies to declared music majors in the College of Liberal Arts.

The following are considered major ensembles:

MUS 271: University Symphony Orchestra
MUS 273: University Band
MUS 275: University Chorus
MUS 277: Chamber Singers
MUS 278: Jazz Ensemble

B. Chamber ensembles

Requirements for participation in chamber ensembles vary depending on degree program. Performance majors (B.M. degree) are required to satisfactorily complete a minimum of four semesters of participation in chamber ensembles with at least two of them to be completed during the junior and senior years. Students in the B.M.A., B.M.E. degree programs are required to satisfactorily complete a minimum of two semesters of participation in chamber ensembles. Music majors in the College of Liberal Arts (B.A. degree) are not required to participate in chamber ensembles.

For a complete list of chamber ensembles, view all MUS 293, 284, and 289 courses in the Schedule of Classes.



Approved by the music faculty October 4, 2001