Purdue University Course Handbook2008 - 2009
FOREWORD
While it is true that Purdue University does not have a School of Music, the ability to study and perform in the area of instrumental music certainly exists. In fact, over six hundred students each semester find a spot in one of the many instrumental music courses offered by the Department of University Bands. Whether your interest is in marching band, marching auxiliaries, jazz, concert band, orchestra, or individual lessons on a particular instrument, we have it all for you.
There are no restrictions on your ability to study instrumental music at Purdue. In fact, you can even earn elective credit while doing it. You will not be in competition with “career musicians” who can afford to live, eat, and breathe music twenty four hours a day. Every student who plays a musical instrument at Purdue is majoring in some subject other than music. We consistently have some of the top students in the university involved in the band program, students who go on to successful careers in a variety of important fields. Graduates of our band program here at Purdue run the gamut from corporate heads to educators to the first man on the moon!
Participation in the university bands does involve a commitment of time, but it is time that most members find to be well spent. The key to success at Purdue is to find some release time away from the pressures of the classroom, and if you enjoy playing your instrument, what better way to “unwind” than to make music with your friends? We are justly proud of the fact that the overall grade point average of the members of university bands consistently ranks well above the full university average. You can play in a band in college and succeed academically! Add to that the opportunities for student initiative and leadership, and you have the makings for a resume that will catch potential employers’ eyes when you graduate.
This booklet lists the wide variety of instrumental music courses in which you can enroll at Purdue, and what you need to do in order to become a member. It also lists activities that are available to you that do not require a formal course enrollment. Take some time to review it thoroughly, and choose the course or courses that are right for you. You have invested a good deal of time and effort in learning how to play your instrument. Now you have the opportunity to use that talent as a member of one of the finest university band programs in the country. Don’t let that opportunity pass you by!
If you have any questions at all after reading this booklet, please do not hesitate to give the Band Office a call. The number is (765) 494-3952. We’ll be glad to answer any question you have. If you have any difficulties enrolling in a band course or find somebody who is unwilling or unable to sign you up, please be certain to let us know. We are happy to work with you to clear up any problems or misunderstandings that may occur in the course registration process. Thanks for your interest in the Purdue University Bands! We look forward to having you as a member.
CONTENTS
MARCHING AUXILIARIES — BAND 110
JAZZ BANDS — BAND 112, 113, 114a & 114b
SYMPHONIC AND CONCERT BANDS — BAND 116 & 117
A NOTE ABOUT PARTICIPATION FEES
IMPORTANT NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS
THE "ALL-AMERICAN" MARCHING BAND — BAND 110
The Purdue “All-American” Marching Band (AAMB) ranks as one of the largest and finest marching bands in the country. It was the recipient of the famed Sudler Trophy for 1995. The block band consists of the standard woodwind-brass-percussion instrumentation: piccolos (no flutes), clarinets, alto and tenor saxophones, trumpets, marching F horns (mellophones), trombones, baritones, sousaphones, and a percussion line consisting of snare drums, tenor quints, 6-pitched bass drums, and cymbals. The “All-American” Auxiliary Units, including The Golden Silks Flag Corps, the Golduster Dance Team, the Twirling Line, and the Solo Twirlers (Golden Girl, Silver Twins, and Girl in Black), along with the famous “Big Bass Drum” crew, round out the organization. The total size of the group is limited to 340 members.
The band performs at all seven home football games, and this year will travel to the Michigan State game in Lansing, Michigan. An outstanding season of great music is expected thanks to our talented music arrangers. Coupled with the anticipation of another great season under our head football coach, Joe Tiller, it promises to be an exciting fall.
MEMBERSHIP
REGISTRATION/CLASS SCHEDULE
It is possible in some instances that a conflict may exist in your schedule between marching band and other classes. It is best to try to avoid these conflicts whenever possible, and to try to find options that will eliminate the conflict. However, with instructor permission, up to two hours of conflict (three for seniors) can be approved. If you or your counselor has any questions on band conflicts, contact Professor Jay Gephart at (765) 494-3953 as soon as possible to discuss them.
In addition, you must complete the enclosed registration form and return them to the Band Office by July 11. Be punctual with these forms, as it is necessary that we receive them in time to prepare materials for you prior to your arrival. If for some reason the forms reach you late or the deadline passes while you are on vacation, return them to us as soon as you possibly can after that date.
PARTICIPATION FEES
Students who need University-owned instruments (percussion, sousaphones, baritones, and mellophones) may sign out these instruments upon arrival on campus. There is no additional fee for the use of these instruments. Please note that we DO NOT supply piccolos - students wishing to play piccolo must provide their own instrument. We do not march with flutes.
UNIVERSITY HOUSING
UNIFORMS
AAMB - WHEN TO REPORT/WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES
Friday, August 15: ALL Student Leaders report today for clinic/training sessions. Meet in Room 15 by 8:30 a.m. All training activities will take place ON CAMPUS. You will receive a special email concerning housing and meals.
Saturday, August 16 - ALL FRESHMEN and their parents should attend one of the Boiler Gold Rush Family Orientation Sessions in the Elliott Hall of Music. These are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Both sessions are the same - pick one and attend it. NOTE: Please read the detailed information sheet on Boiler Gold Rush that is enclosed with the Registration Packet for further details!
Sunday, August 17: Practice facilities in the Elliott Hall of Music will be available beginning at 9 a.m. Room 30 will be reserved for percussion candidates who wish to try out the instruments they will use for auditions. The Supply Office will also be open for students to sign out any university-owned instruments that they plan to use (see information in previous section on auditions). We suggest you take advantage of this early sign-out time, as lines grow longer later in the day.
Also, Tau Beta Sigma, our band service sorority, will sponsor a luncheon for all new candidates and their families between11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in Room 15 of Elliott Hall. If you are interested in coming to this, be sure to fill out the enclosed reservation form and return it with your materials.
ALL freshman candidates and ALL candidates for positions with the drum line no matter what your year will report today. Drum line candidates should come to the Band Lounge on the basement floor of the Elliott Hall of Music Between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. to check in. At 1:00 p.m. you will all report to Room 15 in Elliott Hall of an introductory meeting. Parents are welcome to attend this meeting with you. The meeting will last approximately 30 minutes, and will explain the week-long workshop process and allow for any questions you may have. After the conclusion of the meeting, percussionists will report to Room 30 for their playing auditions. After the auditions and meetings, practice sessions will continue until 9:30 p.m., with a two hour dinner break included. Drum line candidates will continue on Monday with the regular camp schedule, which runs from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., complete with lunch and dinner breaks.
ALL FRESHMEN WOODWIND AND BRASS PLAYERS will report to the Band Lounge in the basement of the Elliott Hall of Music today as well. You will need to check in between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. and receive your information packets and camp materials. If you need to secure a university-owned instrument, you may do that at this time. Lines are generally long, so plan to wait a bit. At 6:30 p.m. you will report to Room 15 in Elliott Hall for an informational meeting. Parents ad family members are invited to attend this meeting with you. We will explain the workshop week in detail, discuss your packet materials, and answer any questions you may have. After the meeting, students will report to designated rooms for their playing auditions. Space will be provided for warm-up before your audition. Be sure to have your instrument and audition sheet with you. After auditions, you are free for the evening. You may return to Room 15 to meet the staff and other new members, with punch and cookies provided by Kappa Kappa Psi, our band service fraternity.
Monday, August 18: All students who reported for the workshop on Sunday will continue with workshop activities today. Report time is 8:30 a.m., and locations will be discussed at the Sunday meeting. The day’s activities will run until 9:30 p.m., with lunch and dinner breaks.
Tuesday, August 19: ALL RETURNING (VETERAN) INSTRUMENTALISTS report today. Check-in in the Band Lounge on the lower level of the Hall of Music between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Students needing university-owned instruments may check them out in the Supply Office. ALL returning instrumentalists will meet in room 15 for a special meeting and playing rehearsal at 10:00 a.m.
The Tuesday afternoon schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, August 20 through Saturday, August 23: Daily schedule runs from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. ALL instrumentalists will report to the drill field each morning according to the schedule you will receive when you check in. The band block and alternates will be selected by Friday morning. There will be free time to take care of university business, and visits from Purdue President Dr. France Córdova, Vice President for Student Services Dr. Tom Robinson, Dean of Students Dr. Tony Hawkins, and head football coach Joe Tiller, Police Chief Gary Evans and other important university officials. Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma will host a welcoming party - The Band Welcome Back Bash - on Saturday evening.
Sunday, August 24: No scheduled group activities today. School meetings for freshmen, time for everyone to get ready for the start of classes. We will begin to issue uniforms today according to the schedule you will receive at camp.
Monday, August 25: Fall semester classes begin. Band begins regular scheduled class meetings, Monday through Friday from 3:30 until 5:30 p.m. Uniforms will be issued on a set schedule each evening this week.
BOILER GOLD RUSH
Members of the Marching Band, as well as members of the Glee Club, football team, volleyball team, R.O.T.C., and various other incoming students are not able to participate in the complete Boiler Gold Rush because of their scheduled activities during the week before classes start. However, Marching Band freshmen will be scheduled to attend one major Gold Rush presentation session as a part of their marching band workshop activities. We have scheduled many of the same speakers to attend band camp so the freshman receive the same information as those who attend Gold Rush. You will do your team-building sessions with the band. In this way, you do not miss any important information presented during the Boiler Gold Rush, and you do not have to register or pay for the sessions! Marching Band students should NOT sign up for Boiler Gold Rush. If you have already done so, contact the officials listed in the Gold Rush information form and ask to have your name removed and deposit refunded. If you have concerns or questions about this, please call the Band Office at (765) 494-3952.
ADDITIONAL CONCERNS
Remember the discussion in the Foreword about the high grade point average band members maintain? If you are selected for membership you will manage that as well, because you will learn to budget your time and take care of academic business. Your 340 new friends will bond together and help you with studies, music, learning your way around campus, and important hints on how to succeed at Purdue. The “All-American” Marching Band is a very socially oriented group, and you’ll meet true and lasting friends among its ranks. Far from getting lost, you will have an important identity and a circle of friends larger than any other student on campus. It’s the experience of a lifetime! So don’t be talked out of a spot in the band. If your advisor or counselor raises any concerns about Band registration, please contact the Band Office and we will see to it that you are properly registered. We have a marvelous season and a potential bowl trip awaiting us this year, and we want you to be part of the festivities, so be certain to get Band 110 on your schedule! We’ll see you in August!
THE "ALL-AMERICAN" MARCHING BAND AUXILIARIES — BAND 110
In addition to talented wind and percussion players, the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band also consists of the following outstanding “auxiliary” units:
Each unit contributes its own particular talents in making the “All-American” Marching Band one of the most exciting and entertaining college bands in the country. All members of the Marching Auxiliaries are full members of the “All-American” Marching Band (BAND 110) and, as such, should review all of the information contained in the previous section. Information on membership, registration, participation fees, university housing, and when to report is identical for all auxiliary members. Certain details, however, concern auxiliaries in a unique way, and these details are listed in the sections below. In addition, specific information pertaining to the auxiliaries may be accessed by visiting the auxiliaries’ website at www.purdueperformers.com.
AUDITIONS
UNIFORMS
PHYSICAL HEALTH
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Symphony Orchestra is a full size orchestra consisting of strings, winds, and percussion. The group performs the finest in orchestral literature, and often works with important soloists or ensembles. The orchestra typically gives two major performances each semester, and performs for a University Convocation ceremony. Opportunities for solo or small ensemble work exist at the option of the conductor based on student interest. Two hours of academic credit are available each semester for participation in Symphony Orchestra.
REGISTRATION/SCHEDULE Students interested in playing in Symphony Orchestra should additionally complete the registration form received in the summer mailing, checking the appropriate interest line, and return it to the Band Office by July 11.
AUDITIONS
INSTRUMENTS
ORCHESTRA PARTICIPATION FEES In addition, ALL orchestra members are required to pay an additional activity fee of $40 each semester. This will be billed as a separate item through the Bursar’s Office. This fee helps defray the cost of performance activities, and in addition covers your admission to the fall and Spring Awards Banquets
OTHER CONCERNS
American Music Repertory Ensemble (AMRE), BAND 112 Purdue Jazz Band (PJB), BAND 113 Lab Jazz Band (Lab), BAND 114a Jazz Workshop, BAND 114b
The Department of University Bands also offers three different jazz bands and a jazz workshop for students interested in this type of musical experience. Each ensemble consists of the standard “big-band” instrumentation of 5 saxes, 5 trumpets, 4-5 trombones and rhythm section (piano, bass guitar, drums). Opportunities exist for singers in all of the jazz bands; however they are an essential part of AMRE. Solo and improvisation work are an important part of the jazz band curriculum, as are opportunities to meet and perform with some of the nation’s top jazz artists. The jazz workshop class focuses on jazz theory, improvisation and jazz style. The jazz bands perform regularly during the semester on campus, and for special events both on and off campus as scheduling permits. There are also opportunities for small group (combo) performance. The Purdue Jazz Band, our most advanced band, is recognized internationally, and offers regular travel and competition opportunities.
The American Music Repertory Ensemble is a full jazz ensemble as outlined above with multiple vocalists. This specialty group explores the repertoire of noted big bands and vocalists of the Twentieth Century focusing on particular artists for each concert. AMRE is dedicated to the performance of the classic big band repertoire and re-creations of recorded performances from throughout jazz history. Concerts are presented as big band shows in the style of the artists represented. The AMRE singers will sing with the band as soloists and in ensemble.
Registration and Schedule
All jazz classes, including AMRE, will be taught in the Slayter Center rehearsal hall.
Students interested in performing in any of the jazz bands should complete the registration form received at the end of the semester or in the summer mailing, checking the appropriate interest line, and return to the Band Office by July 13. It is important that students are punctual in returning the forms, but if your information packet arrives late or you miss the deadline due to vacation, please send the form in as soon as possible.
JAZZ BAND AND AMRE AUDITIONS
Instrumental auditions will consist of prepared selections (the music will be sent to you during the summer after we receive your registration form), sight-reading, two scales of your choice (at least two octaves), and improvisation (two choruses of F or Bb blues accompanied by an Aebersold CD provided by Dr. Mo Trout, or two choruses of a tune of your choice for which you provide the play-a-long recording).
Singers should be able to sing a variety of music, but should have prepared both a ballad and an up-tempo, jazz-style song that will best showcase your talent. Have your music memorized, and bring an accompaniment for the rehearsal pianist to play, or your own accompanist or accompaniment tape (no a cappella singing). Singers will be asked to sing on a microphone and sound system. Those who have instrumental talents as well as singing abilities are encouraged to also audition as instrumentalists.
PARTICIPATION FEES
OTHER CONCERNS
Don’t let audition worries keep you away. You can only make it if you give it a try! Even though our premiere group, Purdue Jazz Band consists mostly of upperclassmen and graduate students, freshman can and do make the group on occasion! If you have questions or concerns about the jazz program at Purdue, contact Dr. Trout for answers.
SYMPHONIC AND CONCERT BANDS — BAND 116 and 117
Students interested in the concert band experience should set their sights on either Symphonic or Concert Band. The Symphonic Band (BAND 116) is one of Purdue’s finest instrumental organizations, staffed by the top wind and percussion players on the West Lafayette campus as selected through a formal audition. The ensemble is featured in several concerts each semester, with additional off-campus performances and tours arranged on demand. The Symphonic Band performs a challenging program of the finest traditional and contemporary wind literature, with numerous opportunities for solo and small ensemble work provided as student interest dictates. The University Concert Band (BAND 117) maintains the same traditional instrumentation as the Symphonic Band, with larger sections allowing participation by more individuals. The musical programming and concert schedule allows this ensemble to be approachable by those students with less experience and background, while still offering an exciting performance experience to those enrolled in the course.
REGISTRATION/SCHEDULE
Students interested in performing in a concert band should additionally complete the registration form received in the summer mailing, checking the appropriate interest line, and return it to the Band Office by July 11. It is important that students are punctual in returning the forms, but if your information packet arrives late or you miss the deadline due to vacation, please send the form in as soon as possible after you receive it.
Once classes begin and auditions are completed, the rehearsal schedule is:
Note that Concert Band is offered at the same time as marching band, so the two courses may not be scheduled during the same semester.
AUDITIONS ALL wind and percussion players including returning members must audition if they plan to play in a concert band. THERE IS NO MEMBERSHIP IN ANY CONCERT ORGANIZATION WITH0UT AN AUDITION! PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS INCLUDES ALL UPPERCLASSMEN!
INSTRUMENTS
PARTICIPATION FEES
OTHER CONCERNS
The Purdue University Department of Bands provides two basketball pep bands that function in support of the varsity basketball teams. The Boiler Brass performs at all home games of the men’s basketball team, while the Gold & Black Sound performs at all home games for the women’s basketball team. Both bands perform at additional spirit and on and off campus functions, and travel to post-season tournament games with their respective teams as budget permits. Dr. Pam Nave will coordinate activities for the basketball bands and will conduct Gold and Black Sound. Prof. Max Jones will conduct Boiler Brass.
MEMBERSHIP/REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Each band rehearses for one two hour time block each week, scheduled at the mutual convenience of the director and members. Students are expected to arrange their schedules to be in attendance at all rehearsals. Basketball performances begin in late October and run through March, depending on tournament play. Members are expected to be available for all home games, or to provide a suitable substitute. Candidates should review the home game schedule of their respective team to determine personal availability. Since continued membership and tournament travel is based on regular attendance, students who cannot maintain that attendance should not audition.
AUDITIONS
OTHER CONCERNS
The opportunity for small ensemble performance exists within the framework of the university band program at the initiative of interested students and formally through the Applied Music program. String or wind players who are interested in playing in a small ensemble should contact the director of their particular ensemble and make that interest known. If student and director availability work out, a wide variety of ensemble experiences are available. There is no formal registration for such ensembles, but performance literature and rehearsal times must be worked out. Ample performance opportunities exist for such ensembles within the normal concert schedule. Those desiring a more structured ensemble within the normal concert music program should discuss this with Prof. Andrew King. This experience would include regular coaching and set rehearsal hours.
For percussionists, two organized opportunities exist and are available for interested students who are enrolled in one of the regular band course in the department:
Percussion Ensembles provide the opportunity for percussionists to concentrate on more challenging literature and some exciting percussion sounds not readily available in the regular concert ensembles. The ensembles concentrate on accurate performance of a wide variety of music, and use a unique and ever-changing instrumentation. Additional rehearsals will be required outside of the regular band schedule. Performance opportunities include several on-campus and possible off-campus concerts in the spring. Winter Drum Line meets as a unit on Monday evenings for two hours each night. Two hours of academic credit are awarded for participation.
Specific details on both of these percussion ensembles will be provided to eligible students at the start of each semester, and information will be posted on the departmental bulletin board.
The ability exists at Purdue University for students to take private lessons on any band or orchestral instrument, as well as piano, guitar, and bass guitar. These lessons are available to any student in the university, and do not hinge on participation in any band course. The lessons are offered on a credit or non-credit basis, and are offered in a variety of lesson packages. Students wishing to take Applied Music for academic credit MUST register for the 8 - one hour lesson package with Prof. Andrew King, and MUST sign up for BAND 120 with an advisor. One hour of academic credit will be awarded for successful completion of this lesson package, and grading is on a pass/fail basis. There is an established fee for each package, as indicated below:
8 - 1 hour lessons per semester: $280.00
The lesson fees are billed directly to you by the university, and are payable to the Bursar just as is your regular tuition payments. Lessons are taught by professional musicians from the Lafayette and Indianapolis area who have been selected for their teaching ability and professional expertise. Whether you are interested in polishing your technique, improving your tone quality, correcting bad habits that you have accumulated over the years, or just learning something new about performing on your instrument, the Applied Music Program is available to assist you. Instruction takes place in a non-threatening atmosphere, without the pressure of grades or establishment of an academic record.
Every student who participates in a university band course is assessed a lab fee of $50 each semester. This is billed to you directly by the university, and covers the cost of music, facilities, and equipment used by you. This fee is NOT optional, and is assessed each semester for any student taking BAND 120. It is in addition to the lesson fees indicated above. Students who do not take Applied Music for credit are billed only for the lesson fees.
A form, which describes the Applied Music Program in detail, is available to interested students.. You may register for lessons during the on-campus registration period, which begins August 25 and runs through the week of September 8. Actual lessons will begin during the week of September 15 or shortly thereafter.
A NOTE ABOUT PARTICIPATION FEES
To those students who are new to the program, the level of fees we are assessing to participate in our program probably seems low compared to what you may have had to spend in high school. We make every effort to see that the amount of “out of pocket” expenses to play in a Purdue Band is kept to an absolute minimum. At many universities, students are hit with instrument rental fees, uniform fees, or other required purchases that send the cost of band participation through the roof. Our approach at Purdue has been to consolidate these charges into two individual participation fees that cover the entire cost of participation in the program. While we wish that our regular budget and funding could cover all of these costs, that just isn’t practical in these days of tight money and reduced government support of higher education programs.
The registration or lab fee of $50.00 that is assessed each semester when you register for any band course covers the cost of instructional materials and facilities and equipment usage. It goes towards the purchase of the music you perform, the university-owned instruments many of you will play, the uniforms and clothing that some of you will use, and other educational materials required to operate the band program. While every student will not use every single item the fee covers, we are able to keep the overall fee low by spreading the cost out over all participants. It is similar to the concept of your general university fees in that they support a wide variety of activities that do not necessarily impact everyone directly. Since we would be unable to operate the band program without the specialized instruments, music, and other instructional materials, each of you do, in fact, benefit from the contribution of this fee. It might interest you to know that this fee has risen only $15 in the past two decades!
The Concert/Jazz Activity Fee is an additional fee assessed each semester which covers all costs associated with each performance including hall rental charges. The fee also includes attendance at our two formal awards banquets, travel, and other social “perks” that occur in every ensemble. We will bill the fee through the university billing system, and you will see it as a second band charge on your university fee statements. The billing will not occur until the beginning of each semester after we determine your band or orchestra membership.
The Marching Band Activity Fee is $90. In additional to covering our costs for banquets, refreshments in the stands, and the t-shirts new students will receive this year; it will also cover the cost of regular uniform cleaning. It is easy to see that paying for these items on an individual out-of-pocket basis would run far more than the assessed fee.
Participation fees are always a concern for students who already are paying a great deal for their education. However, we hope you will agree that we are holding the line on costs as best we can, and that the charges to you result in some direct and important participation benefits. Should you have any concerns on the matter of band fees, please feel free to contact Professor Gephart to discuss them.
DEPARTMENT OF UNIVERSITY BANDS — FACULTY AND STAFF
Professor Jay Gephart – Director of University Bands, Email: jsgephart@purdue.edu
Dr. Marion “Mo” Trout - Associate Professor of University Bands Email: mttrout@purdue.edu
Dr. Pamela J. Nave – Associate Professor of Bands Email: pjnave@purdue.edu
Professor Max Jones - Assistant Professor of University Bands Email: jonesmr@purdue.edu
Professor Andrew King – Assistant Professor of University Bands Email: king6@purdue.edu
Mrs. Alisha Kuckartz - Auxiliary Director Email: alishak@purdue.edu
Jessica Beall - Graduate Assistant
Todd Ward – Graduate Assistant
Mrs. Patrice A. Newton - Administrative Assistant Email: panewton@purdue.edu
Mrs. Pamela Butram - University Bands Account Clerk
Ms. Kathy Matter - Public Relations Director Email: kcmatter@purdue.edu
To speak directly to any of the faculty or staff, call the listed number. If the staff member is unavailable to take your call, you may leave a message on his or her “voice mail”, indicating your name, telephone number, and nature of your inquiry. You may also email inquiries to the individual using the email address provided. If you are unsure of with whom you wish to speak, simply call the Office of University Bands at (765) 494-3952, and the administrative assistant will answer your question or forward your call to the proper staff member for information. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
||||
|
