/ The Wind Ensemble is a select ensemble for woodwinds, brass, and percussion, and is open to all students by audition. The Wind Ensemble performs both traditional and contemporary wind and percussion literature. The group represents St. Norbert College through performances in various venues each year. Principal ensemble. Prerequisite: audition. Every semester, repeatable.
The Concert Band is open to all students regardless of major, with no entrance audition required. This band typically consists of non-music majors and music majors on secondary instruments and prepares both traditional and contemporary band literature. Principal ensemble. Every semester, repeatable.
The Chamber Singers is a select ensemble of mixed voices, chosen each year by audition. The group is open to all students, regardless of major, and performs a variety of literature, from madrigals to major choral works. Principal ensemble. Prerequisite: audition. Every semester, repeatable.
Participants in Opera Workshop study various genres of musical drama and vocal performance styles through staged presentations. Opera Workshop productions present scenes from, or full productions of, significant operatic works. During rehearsal, students are expected to be involved in all aspects of production, from the technical and directorial to the actual performance. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Fall semester, repeatable.
The Concert Choir consists of two ensembles: the Men’s Chorus and the Women’s Chorus. These groups perform both as separate ensembles and combined as a large ensemble of mixed voices. Participants in Concert Choir perform music of all styles and genres in a minimum of two on-campus concerts each semester. Open to all students regardless of major with no audition required. Principal ensemble. Every semester, repeatable.
The Brass Ensemble explores chamber brass ensemble literature ranging from trios, quartets, and quintets to larger groups. Students perform a variety of music ranging from the Renaissance era to modern works, utilizing and developing skills that are different from playing in a large band. Open to all students regardless of major. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Every semester, repeatable.
This course is designed for the advanced pianist to develop collaborative skills for working with vocalists and instrumentalists. Requirements include accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists in their lessons and studio class performances. Every semester, repeatable.
Vocal jazz participants rehearse and perform vocal jazz literature from a variety of styles and eras. Emphasis is given to solo jazz singing technique and stylistic aspects of ensemble singing. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Spring semester, repeatable.
The goal of Jazz Ensemble is the study and performance of jazz ensemble literature from a variety of styles and eras. Smaller ensemble work is also offered through the jazz combo program and is organized based on instrumentation and student interest. All participants will work on the development of improvisational skills, effective musical style and teamwork. Prerequisite: audition. Every semester, repeatable.
The Saxophone Ensemble is open to all students regardless of major. The ensemble provides students with the opportunity to work in a small chamber music setting. The repertoire the ensemble performs is wide-ranging, including works from the Renaissance to contemporary saxophone literature. Ensemble members have the opportunity to help select literature and contribute to the interpretation of the music. Those more advanced members can arrange and or compose for the ensemble. Every semester, repeatable.
The Flute Choir is open to all students regardless of major. It meets once each week and performs one concert per semester. This ensemble is also regularly one of the guests for St. Norbert’s annual Brass and Organ Concert and performs for campus events as needed. The ensemble is comprised of music majors, minors, and flutists from the St. Norbert community, performing both traditional and contemporary music. Every semester, repeatable.
The Clarinet Choir is open to all students, regardless of major, who have experience playing any member of the clarinet family as a high school student. This ensemble studies and performs music from the standard and original clarinet choir and chamber music repertory as well as transcriptions from all styles and periods. Every semester, repeatable.
The String Orchestra is open to all students regardless of major. Participants will be expected to have experience playing a string instrument and music reading ability. Course goals include the improvement of individual playing technique, and the study and performance of chamber and orchestral music written for strings. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Every semester, repeatable.
This Bell Choir is open to all students who can read music notation, regardless of major. Participants will learn handbell performance techniques and perform a variety of secular and sacred literature written and arranged for handbell choir. Bell Choir performances take place on campus and at other arranged events off campus. Available for audit or credit. Every semester, repeatable.
This course is designed for students who are also enrolled in piano lessons for credit at the intermediate or advanced level. Emphasis is placed on repertoire for duet, trio and quartet ensemble piano pieces. The capstone for this course will be a performance at the bi-annual Chamber Concert. Every semester, repeatable.
The Guitar Ensemble is open to all students regardless of major. It meets once a week and includes the practice of music for guitar in groups that can range from duets, trios, and quartets, to larger ensembles of guitars. Students actively participate in the rehearsal, coaching, and performance of ensemble repertoire that consists mainly of original works written for varying numbers of guitars. Every semester, repeatable.
The Composers Ensemble is a modular group of musicians meeting for the purpose of creating and performing their own music. Students will create musical works to be performed at an end of the semester concert. Student composers may perform their own works or write for other members of the ensemble. Class meetings will involve critique of student work and suggestions to develop both compositional craft and artistic ideas. Students will also study and analyze music of other composers to inspire their creativity. Participation in composition studio class is encouraged. Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in or completion of MUSI 170, or instructor’s permission. Every semester, repeatable.
This course gives music students the tools to improvise in a variety of musical styles, including jazz. An exploration of performance tools, techniques, and historical contexts will be explored. Every semester, repeatable.
This course is dedicated to the study and performance of chamber music for strings, including duos, trios, quartets and larger groups. Repertoire includes various musical styles and is drawn from composers from a variety of historical eras and backgrounds. Every semester, repeatable.
The World Music Ensemble is open to students of any major, and no prior background in music performance or notation reading is required. As members of this ensemble, students will explore and perform a variety of traditional musics from around the world. Every semester, repeatable.
Study and performance of contemporary music written for athletic bands. The Pep Band provides music at men's and women's basketball home games and other college events. Open to all brass, woodwind, percussion, electric guitar, and electric bass performers regardless of major. Rehearsal and performances as dictated by the schedule of events. May be repeated for credit.
One lesson per week on voice and participation in a voice studio class. Lesson material is designed to give students a solid foundation in the areas of vocal production, literature, and performance techniques. MUSI 061 culminates in a recital performance. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Co-requisite: ensemble participation. Every semester, repeatable.
One lesson per week on piano and participation in a piano studio class. Lesson material is designed to give students a solid foundation in the areas of performance, literature and pedagogy. MUSI 062 culminates in a recital performance. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Co-requisite: ensemble participation. Every semester, repeatable.
One lesson per week on a brass instrument and participation in an instrumental studio class. Lesson material is designed to give students a solid foundation in the areas of performance, literature and pedagogy. MUSI 063 culminates in a recital. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Co-requisite: ensemble participation. Every semester, repeatable.
One lesson per week on a woodwind instrument and participation in an instrumental studio class. Lesson material is designed to give students a solid foundation in the areas of performance, literature and pedagogy. MUSI 064 culminates in a recital. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Co-requisite: ensemble participation. Every semester, repeatable.
One lesson per week on the organ. Lesson material is designed to give students a solid foundation in the areas of performance, literature and pedagogy. MUSI 065 culminates in a recital performance. Ensemble participation required. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Co-requisite: ensemble participation. Every semester, repeatable.
One lesson per week of private composition and participation in a composition studio class. MUSIC 067 culminates in a recital performance of original works. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Co-requisite: ensemble participation. Every semester, repeatable.
One lesson per week on percussion instruments and participation in an instrumental studio class. Lesson material is designed to give students a solid foundation in the areas of performance, literature and pedagogy. MUSI 068 culminates in a recital performance. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Co-requisite: ensemble participation. Every semester, repeatable.
One lesson per week on guitar or a string instrument and participation in an instrumental studio class. Lesson material is designed to give students a solid foundation in the areas of performance, literature and pedagogy. MUSI 069 culminates in a recital performance. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Co-requisite: ensemble participation. Every semester, repeatable.
This course introduces students to fundamental guitar techniques and musicianship concepts through the study of music theory, music notation, right and left hand techniques, accompaniment skills, ensemble playing and more. This course is open to all students regardless of major, with no prerequisite or ensemble participation required. Requirement: Each student is required to own (or rent) an acoustic guitar for class instruction and practice.
This course emphasizes basic sight-reading skills, scales, chords and repertoire of elementary pieces for the piano. Included in the course are basic concepts of music theory. The course is open to all students with no prerequisite or ensemble participation required. No audit.
This class is designed for students who are interested in learning the basics of vocal technique in a small-group setting. Students will sing as a group and also prepare solo songs to perform for the class. Repertoire encompasses a wide range of genres from classical to musical theatre. Each student will receive individual feedback in the group setting and also private lesson time with the instructor. Subjects covered include: breath management for singing, producing a pleasant tone, how to practice, maintaining vocal health, and basic vocal anatomy and performance technique. The course is open to all students. No prerequisite or ensemble participation required.
This course provides an introduction into the study of world musics and the discipline of ethnomusicology. A variety of music traditions from around the globe are surveyed and explored through deep listening. As students analyze representative works, a deeper understanding and appreciation for music as both sound and culture will be developed.
This is the first of a sequence of courses in which students learn the elements of music and standard notation, aural and score analysis of compositions, and the development of composition, appreciation and interpretive skills. Music theory fundamentals are emphasized. Aural skills and keyboard labs are included. Fall semester.
This course emphasizes intermediate-level analytical techniques appropriate to common practice tonal music. Skills emphasized include harmonic analysis and model composition. Aural skills and keyboard labs are included. Prerequisite: MUSI 170 or instructor consent. Spring semester.
Designed for music minors and non-music majors, this course is concerned with the art of intelligent and perceptive music listening for those interested in increasing their knowledge and enjoyment of music. The course traces the development of music up to the present day. Various media are employed. Variable. Note: Course not open to Music majors.
The course covers the history of popular music in the United States from the late 19th-century to the present day. Genres discussed include modern styles such as rock, R & B, hip-hop, folk, country, jazz, ragtime, blues, and early musical theater. A chronological study of popular styles will expose students to important songwriters and performers and show how their music was influenced by elements like racial prejudice, political events and social structures. Modern technological influences (radio, recording media, television, computers) will also be explored. Variable.
Music Entrepreneurship will prepare students to connect music and business opportunities through hands-on experiences in a creative community environment. The course will focus on topics such as the management of a private studio or music academy, the structure of self-employment, and the business of event performances. In addition to skills such as collaboration, marketing, and self-promotion, the course will also cover elusive topics such as grant writing and creating one’s own job, or niche, in the musical world. This course will be particularly attractive to music majors, but open to all creative problem-solvers with an interest in entrepreneurial music ventures.
Produce tracks without investing in expensive audio equipment. Topics include digital audio workstations, sampling, beatmaking techniques, midi composition, audio processing, music theory, basic recording, and a survey of hip hop/rap music.
This course is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a music degree in vocal performance, music education (with choral emphasis), or music-liberal arts (with vocal emphasis). It includes learning the rules of pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and studying the basic rules of two languages: English and Italian. Students will learn to apply proper stage diction in vocal performance and pedagogy. Prerequisite: declared major in Music. Fall semester.
This course is designed for music majors in vocal performance, music education (with choral emphasis), and music-liberal arts (with vocal emphasis). The content includes reviewing the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and studying the basic rules of two languages: German and French. Students will learn to apply proper stage diction in vocal performance and pedagogy. Prerequisite: MUSI 246. Spring semester.
This course explores advanced analytical techniques appropriate to common practice tonal music. Skills emphasized include harmonic and formal analysis, model composition, and writing about music. Aural skills and keyboard labs are included. Prerequisite: MUSI 171 or instructor consent. Spring semester.
This course explores advanced analytical techniques, especially those useful for the post-tonal repertoire of the 20th and 21st centuries. Significant works from impressionism through the musical experiments of the 20th and 21st centuries will be covered. Skills emphasized include harmonic analysis, model composition, and writing about music. Aural skills and keyboard labs are included. Prerequisite: MUSI 270 or instructor’s consent. Spring semester.
In this course, students will apply music theory principles from Music Theory I–IV to music that they are currently performing. The study of music from the students' applied lessons or large ensembles will prove to be a challenging and rewarding exploration. Students will be tasked with figuring out what combination of analytical techniques are appropriate for a given piece. At the end of the course, students will present a short lecture recital as their final project. Prerequisite: MUSI 271. Spring semester.
This course focuses on the Catholic intellectual tradition and its profound dialogue with music. Students will explore genres in Catholic music such as the mass, requiem mass, oratorio, passion, and other biblically inspired works. Course content will focus on pieces of music that are inspired by sacred texts. With each work, students will engage with the meaning of the text and how the music exemplifies it. Through the study of music fundamentals, students will build frameworks for listening that increase understanding and transform the listening experience. Coursework will involve readings, exercises in listening, lecture, discussion posts, and short essays. Students will improve communication skills and contemplate how the course material impacts a life lived with purpose. Variable.
This course is offered whenever a mutual interest in a more specialized topic in music exists for a member of the faculty and a sufficient number of students. Prerequisite: instructor consent.
Individual study of an approved topic in music under the supervision of a music faculty member. This course permits faculty and students to explore together a subject of special or personal interest. Prerequisite: instructor consent.
This course will examine the role of women as performers, creators, and consumers of music in a variety of contexts within the Western Art Music tradition. In addition to surveying influential figures and their unique musical roles, a primary goal will be to interpret representations of women, gender, and sexuality in a variety of musical and social contexts. Ultimately, students will be challenged to consider their own perspectives, musical experiences, and interpretation of gender representations in the world today. Variable.
This course focuses on the development of operas from the Baroque era to the present, exploring opera as a social and cultural phenomenon and an expression of national musical styles. It utilizes lectures and workshops to explore the history of opera in its many forms and discover the extent to which modern music—including popular musical theatre—is indebted to the success and popularity of opera. Every spring.
The study of jazz from its origins in New Orleans to the present day. The course focuses on important performers and songwriters, types of literature, an appreciation of jazz improvisation, as well as the interaction of social, political, and economic elements that strongly influenced the genre. Audio and video presentations will be used extensively. Variable.
Piano pedagogy explores various theories of teaching the piano and technical analysis of the playing mechanism. Teaching methods and procedures are developed for establishing efficient practice and working with individual learning styles. Students will survey and evaluate teaching materials and learn to analyze the technical requirements of keyboard music. Prerequisite: instructor consent. Fall semester.
This course is a continuation of Piano Pedagogy I and provides continued experience in the practical application of piano-teaching skills and concepts of the playing mechanism. Prerequisites: MUSI 321 and instructor consent. Spring semester.
This course is designed to provide the piano major with an understanding of significant forms in the history of piano music, the important compositions within these genres, and a functional and practical literature library of compositions for use in a variety of settings. Spring semester.
This course is designed to provide the vocal major with an understanding of significant forms in the history of vocal music, the important compositions within these genres, and a functional and practical literature library of compositions for use in a variety of settings. Variable.
This course is designed to provide the emerging choral conductor with an understanding of significant forms in the history of choral music, the compositions that hold preeminence within those genres, and a functional and practical repertoire library of compositions for use in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: junior standing.
This course is designed to provide singers with an understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and physics of singing and song production. As part of this course, students will teach voice lessons under the supervision of the instructor. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing and instructor consent. Spring semester, variable.
Basic principles of teaching and performing on woodwind instruments. Fall semester, alternate years.
Basic principles of teaching and performing on string instruments. Spring semester, alternate years.
Basic principles of teaching and performing on brass instruments. Spring semester, alternate years.
Basic principles of teaching and performing on percussion instruments. Fall semester.
This course will introduce students to jazz improvisation, or the spontaneous composition through the study of great soloists and their transcriptions. Emphasis is placed on common scales, modes and harmonic progressions. Mastering this skill requires intense practice and a deep knowledge of style, form and jazz harmony. Students will be expected to perform in the classroom setting.
This course surveys the history of Western art music from antiquity to 1750 with emphasis on musical style characteristics, the development of compositional forms and genres, and the work of significant performers and composers. The study of music history familiarizes students with repertoires, musical elements, genres and notable musicians of the Western art music tradition within their social and historical contexts. This course may be an important part of a music professional’s career preparations or an important contribution to any student's musical understanding. Prerequisite: MUSI 170. Fall semester.
This course surveys the history of Western art music from 18th to 21st centuries C.E., with emphasis on musical style characteristics, the development of compositional forms and genres, and the work of significant performers and composers. The study of music history familiarizes students with repertoires, musical elements, genres and notable musicians of the Western art music tradition within their social and historical contexts. It is an important part of a music professional’s career preparations, contributing to one’s musical understanding and development as a producer and consumer of music, and providing a common language with which musicians can communicate effectively with one another. Prerequisite: MUSI 371. Spring semester.
In this course, students will undertake an in-depth, interdisciplinary examination of several pieces of music. Topics covered may include classical literature, the enlightenment and revolution, 19th century philosophy, and 21st century globalization of culture. Students will master their oral communication skills through leadership of classroom discussions and a presentation. Students will also write a research paper or create a musical presentation involving performance and composition. Spring Semester, even-numbered years.
Baton techniques and conducting problems utilizing a cross section of instrumental and choral music from all periods. Students practice with live performers and are videotaped. Required of all music majors and minors. Prerequisite: junior standing or instructor consent. Spring semester.
.A continuation of Introduction to Conducting, with advanced study in choral conducting, technique, score reading and rehearsal techniques. Prerequisite: MUSI 381. Fall semester.
A continuation of Introduction to Conducting, with advanced study in instrumental conducting technique, score reading and rehearsal techniques. Prerequisite: MUSI 381. Fall semester.
A study of the instruments of the concert band and orchestra, their tonal characteristics and transpositions. Assignments involve scoring for orchestra, concert band and various small ensembles. Coursework includes score analysis, listening and computer generation of assignments. Prerequisite: junior standing or instructor consent. Variable.
This course is offered whenever a mutual interest in a more specialized topic in music exists for a member of the faculty and a sufficient number of students. Prerequisite: instructor’s consent.
Individual study of an approved topic in music under the supervision of a Music faculty member. This course permits faculty and students to explore together a subject of special or personal interest. Prerequisite: instructor consent and approval of the Dean of Visual and Performing Arts.
Students in this course will engage in a variety of activities and discussions pertaining to student teaching in a K-12 music classroom, as well as explore current trends in music education. This course is required for all music education majors. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: music education major, senior standing. Fall semester
A course offered whenever a mutual interest in a more specialized topic in music exists for a member of the faculty and a sufficient number of students. Prerequisite: instructor’s consent.
Individual study of an approved topic in music under the supervision of a music faculty member. This course permits faculty and students to explore together a subject of special or personal interest. Prerequisite: instructor’s consent and approval of the dean of visual and performing arts.
This internship experience allows students to apply their studies in a supervised work situation. Students benefit from an inside look at different kinds of corporations and agencies, a chance to work in their field of study, and to gain experience with projects and technologies that reflect the applied sector. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing and instructor consent
