3.3: Ensembles
- Page ID
- 310481
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)As a music major, you will be required to be involved in at least one large ensemble every semester you are on campus. No matter what size the school, there will be “y’all come” ensembles that anyone is invited to participate in and groups for which you will have to audition for membership. In some schools, students are not allowed to be in more than two ensembles. In others, it is not uncommon for music majors to participate in many various ensembles. Perhaps you are a singer in choir, a trumpet player in band, and play the piano in jazz band. Be sure to find out what the ensemble requirements and policies are for any school you are interested in attending—some ensembles may not count as major ensembles or there may be specific minimum requirements such as marching band or opera studio.
Requirements for an ensemble may range from a single 1-hour rehearsal a week, three 50-minute rehearsals per week, or as much as 2 hours daily. It is also required at some, especially smaller schools, that you participate in both choral and instrumental ensembles. At most institutions, you will receive academic credit for the ensemble participation; at some private colleges, ensembles may not count as a credit in order to save money on tuition. Be cautious—while this may free you up to schedule more required courses, it can make for a very busy, intense schedule.
If piano is your primary instrument, there will likely be other options available. These often involve accompanying, playing with ensembles, or collaborative piano experiences. In some cases, accompanying soloists on a certain number of recitals or accompanying an ensemble for a certain number of semesters will fulfill this requirement.
Leadership Opportunities
When you go on a campus visit, it is a good idea to ask about possible practical experience and leadership opportunities related to ensemble participation. As a leader, you may be given opportunities to lead sectionals. This is a great way to further your musicianship and prepare yourself for directing an ensemble or being a teacher.
In larger universities and programs, student director/conductor opportunities often go to graduate students, but in some programs undergraduates may have the opportunity to lead and direct large ensembles in rehearsal and/or performance. Some of these opportunities are tied to advanced conducting courses and you may have the chance to rehearse and conduct a large ensemble in concert. Other opportunities for leadership are also frequently available for instrumentalists through marching band, pep band, and jazz ensembles. Again, you may want to ask what kind of opportunities might be available when you meet with faculty during your campus visit as this may influence your school decision.
Student-Directed Ensembles
On some campuses, there are very impressive student-led ensembles. Membership in these groups is strictly voluntary and usually does not carry course credit. There may or may not be requirements concerning who the student director may be and whether a faculty sponsor will oversee as necessary. While your primary responsibility is to your private lessons, large ensembles, and coursework listed in the college catalog, these organizations can be a lot of fun and a great experience.