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Performing Arts: Requirements and Courses

Performing Arts
 2009-2010 Faculty: Dr. Chan, Mr. Haglund, Mr. Kuchan, Dr. E. Zobel
Requirements
 
Auditions for placement in the music program will be held during the first week of the student’s first semester on campus.

Performance Credits: All students may earn up to twelve semester hours toward graduation through participation in faculty-sponsored and supervised performance activities in two or more of these areas: music, journalism, theater, and intercollegiate athletics. The limit is two hours in journalism and athletics and twenty four hours in music ensembles and theater productions. Students majoring in a discipline that requires performance participation, as stated in this catalog, shall be allowed to earn the required number of performance hours in that major in addition to the total of twenty four hours as a non-major in a combination of all performance areas. Performance hours beyond those specified here will be shown on a student’s transcript but will not be counted in computing hours for graduation.

Any student in the Performing Arts major or the Theater minor may be eligible to waive the major requirements of PA 291 through a production-related work position in the Department of Performing Arts.  A student may waive PA 291 graduation requirements under the following conditions:
   
  • The student must have worked in the department position for at least two prior work semesters (160 work hours each semester) with no work warnings before working a semester that is eligible for the waiver.
  • The student may waive one hour of PA 291 for one semester (160 work hours) of appropriate successful work in the Performing Arts Department (as determined by the Performing Arts faculty).
  • The student will write a post-production essay reflecting on the educational outcomes of the experience.

Final approval of waiver will be made by the faculty after these conditions have been met.  A letter from the faculty indicating that the student should be waived form one semester of PA 291 will be submitted to the Records Office.  The student may be eligible to waive as many semesters of PA 291 as are required for the degree, but must meet all of the above criteria for each semester of PA 291 that is waived.
 
Requirements for a Performing Arts Major – Music Track
PA 120 174, 207, 210 (1,2), 273, 274, 280, 311, 381, 382, 450 (1,2); PE 050, 051, 053, 078; Performing Arts Ensemble participation to total 8 hours (Ensemble requirement must include at least 6 hours of a choral ensemble.) Students must choose either Vocal Emphasis: PA 220 (6 semester hours) and PA 210 (2 semester hours and/or piano proficiency exam) OR Keyboard Emphasis: PA 210 (4 semester hours and piano proficiency exam) and PA 220 (2 semester hours).

TOTAL: 51- 56 semester hours
 
Requirements for a Performing Arts Major – Theater Track
PA 120, 174, 200, 210 (2 hours), 212, 221, 222, 251, 280, 291 (3 hours), 293, 342, 344, 346, 351, 392, 460; EN 324; PE 050, 051, 053, 078

TOTAL: 51- 54 semester hours
 
Requirements for a Music Minor
PA 174, 200, 273, 274. Students must take 3 semesters of lessons on chosen instrument (voice or piano) plus satisfactory performance on piano proficiency examination. Each minor must be a participant in a departmental ensemble for 6 semesters.

TOTAL: 23 semester hours
 
Requirements for a Theater Minor
PA 207, 212, 251, 351, 392; PA 291 (3 hours); one additional course from PA 221, 222, 293, 342, 344, 346, 382, 394, EN 324

Total : 21 semester hours

Courses

 110. Applied Music: Piano for Non-Majors (1 hour)
Each Semester
Private piano instruction for non-majors (half-hour per week).

120. Class Voice (1 hour)
Each Semester. 
Through the study of solo vocal repertoire, students will learn healthy vocal technique and pedagogy as it applies to their own voices. Individual and group voice instruction in a class setting. May be repeated once for credit.

130. Applied Music: Beginning Organ (1 hour)
Each Semester. 
Private organ instruction for non-majors (half-hour per week).

140. Class Guitar (1 hour)
Each Semester. 
Introductory classroom instruction in acoustic guitar playing. Includes solo and ensemble performances, chords, music reading, accompaniment, improvisation and introduction to guitar styles. Students must provide their own acoustic guitar. May be repeated once for credit.

174. Fundamentals of Music Theory (3 hours)
Second Semester. 
Introduction to the basic elements of music: pitch, rhythm, and harmony. Students will learn through written exercises, keyboard exercises, and playing rhythm instruments (pitched and non-pitched). Topics to be covered include basic notation and score reading, major and minor scales, intervals, triads, rhythmic notation, and musical vocabulary. No previous musical knowledge necessary. Prerequisite: PA 110 or 210 or concurrent enrollment.

200. Music Appreciation (3 hours)
Each Semester. 
Introduction to musical repertoire of both Western and non-Western cultures. Addresses issues related to the historical role of music in society as well as fundamental musical concepts such as pitch and rhythm. Focuses on developing skills for critical listening. (IAI: F1 900)

207. Introduction to Theater (3 hours)
First Semester, alternate years. Offered 2011-2012. 
Introduction to Theater will expose the student to the history of theater, the people of theater (specific persons and generic functions), and the literature of theater. The scope of the course will include European, American, and Asian theater.

210. Applied Music: Piano (1-2 hours)
Each Semester. 
Weekly piano instruction for performing arts majors and minors (half-hour for one credit; one hour for two credits). Additional weekly hour-long studio class required for all music majors and minors. Students will perform for each other and work with faculty in master class format. Includes faculty presentations on topics related to music study and careers. Prerequisite: Music major or minor

212. Oral Interpretation (3 hours)
First Semester, alternate years. Offered 2011-2012. 
The discovery of literature and meaning via an organic, creative approach to performance. Students will perform selections from prose, poetry, and drama, including children’s as well as other literary forms. The course culminates in a group performance for a public audience.

220. Applied Music: Voice (1-2 hours)
Each Semester. 
Weekly voice instruction for performing arts majors and minors (half-hour for one credit; one hour for two credits). Additional weekly hour-long studio class required for all music majors and minors. Students will perform for each other and work with faculty in master class format. Includes faculty presentations on topics related to music study and careers. (Non-majors may petition to take MU 220 after two semesters of MU 120.) Prerequisite: Music major or minor.

221. Theater History and Literature I (3 hours)
First Semester, alternate years. Offered 2010-2011. 
Literature of the theater arts from pre-Greek to Pre-Ibsen; the beginning of recorded history to 1800 A.D. Prerequisite: none.

222. Theater History and Literature II (3 hours)
Second Semester, alternate years. Offered 2010-2011. 
An overview of the History and Literature of the theater arts from Ibsen to the contemporary world of theater; 1800 A.D. to 2000 A.D. and beyond. Prerequisite: none.

230. Applied Music: Organ (1-2 hours)
Each Semester. 
Weekly organ instruction for performing arts majors or minors (half-hour for one credit; one hour for two credits). Additional weekly hour-long studio class required for all music majors and minors. Students will perform for each other and work with faculty in master class format. Includes faculty presentations on topics related to music study and careers. Prerequisite: Music major or minor.

240. Ensemble: College Choir (1 hour)
Each Semester. 
Rehearsal and performance of repertoire from a variety of styles and historical periods. Attendance at performances outside of class time and participation in annual choir tour held during Spring Break are mandatory. Full year commitment is expected; exceptions made at the discretion of the conductor.

250. Ensemble: Blackburn Voices (1 hour)
Each Semester. 
Rehearsal and performance of repertoire appropriate for chamber vocal ensembles. Includes fall production of Madrigal Dinners. Attendance at performances outside of class time and participation in annual choir tour held during Spring Break are mandatory. Full year commitment is expected; exceptions made at the discretion of the conductor.

251. Acting/Directing (3 hours)
First Semester, alternate years. Offered 2010-2011. 
In this course the student will explore the fundamentals of acting and directing.

260. Ensemble: College Band (1 hour)
Each Semester
Rehearsal and performance of repertoire from a variety of styles and historical periods. Attendances at performances outside of class time are mandatory. Full year commitment is expected; exceptions made at the discretion of the conductor.

273. Music Theory & Aural Skills I (4 hours)
First Semester. 
This is the first course in a two-semester music theory sequence. Includes introduction to seventh chords, written analysis of diatonic harmonies, and an introduction to formal analysis. Aural skills activities include sight singing, ear training, dictation, and other vehicles for building the student’s ability to accurately assess and interpret both aural and visual cues in music. Prerequisite: PA 174 or placement exam.

274. Music Theory & Aural Skills II (4 hours)
Second Semester. 
This is the second course in a two-semester music theory sequence. Includes analysis of chromatic harmonies and 18th and 19th century forms, with an introduction to 20th century compositional techniques. Aural skills activities include sight singing, ear training, dictation, and other vehicles for building the student’s ability to accurately assess and interpret both aural and visual cues in music. Prerequisite: PA 273.

280. Movement for the Stage (1 hour)
Each Semester, alternate years. Offered 2011-2012. 
A basic introduction to body awareness and kinesics as would be applied in performance.

290. Performance (1-2 hours)
Each Semester. 
Acting in a play production approved by the instructor. Attending all required rehearsals and performances, and carrying out all the assigned duties of a cast member as stipulated by the director of the production. Prerequisite: audition. May be repeated for elective credit up to a maximum of four semester hours.

291. Production/Technical (1-2 hours)
Each Semester. 
The student will engage in non-performance functions of a theatrical production under the supervision of the instructor and/or director. One semester hour may be earned for each 40 hours of production work. The work may be in the arena of costumes, make-up, props, set, lights, sound, house, public relations or other production specific tasks. The student will write a post-production essay reflecting on their experience and what they have learned. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and director. May be repeated for elective credit up to a maximum of four semester hours.

293. Directing the One-Act Play (3 hours)
As Needed. 
Practical experience in all the aspects of theatre directing in a one-act play format. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

300. Internship (1-12 hours)
Each Semester. 
Internships involve working and learning experiences off campus. Each student’s program is developed according to established College guidelines under the sponsorship of a faculty member. See the index under “Internships” for reference to additional information on internship guidelines, or consult the department chair. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above. Not open to any student who is on academic, disciplinary, or Work Program probation.

311. Conducting (2 hours)
First Semester, alternate years. Offered 2010-2011. 
Introduction to basic conducting patterns and techniques, score reading, and rehearsal techniques. Addresses issues related to conducting both choral and instrumental ensembles. Prerequisite: PA 274.

342. Costumes and Make-up (3 hours)
First Semester, alternate years. Offered 2010-2011. 
The basics of design and execution of theatrical costuming and make-up. Prerequisite: Communication Major – Performance Track or Performing Arts Major.

344. Lighting and Sound (3 hours)
Second Semester, alternate years. Offered 2011-2012. 
The basics of the design and execution of lighting and sound in a theatrical setting.

346. Sets and Props (3 hours)
Second Semester, alternate years. Offered 2010-2011. 
The basics of the design and execution of sets and props in a theatrical setting.

351. Advanced Acting/Directing (3 hours)
First Semester, alternate years. Offered 2010-2011. 
In this course the students will work on specific acting problems related to their individual strengths and weaknesses as a performer. The students will do in-depth, experientially-oriented, study of directing. Prerequisite: PA 251.

381. History of Opera (3 hours)
First Semester, alternate years. Offered 2011-2012. 
Surveys the development of opera in the Western tradition from its origins in the early 17th century through the present day. Class activities include primary and secondary source readings, listening, score study, viewing selected productions, and a performance project integrated with the student’s applied studies. Prerequisite: PA 274.

382. Studies in Musical Theater (3 hours)
Second Semester, alternate years. Offered 2009-2010. 
Examines non-operatic musical theater from the late 1860s through the present day. Special attention is given to the Broadway tradition in America. Class activities include primary and secondary source readings, listening, score study, viewing selected productions, and a performance project integrated with the student’s applied studies. Prerequisite: PA 274.

390. Special Topics (1-3 hours)
As needed. 
Topics relevant to the needs of performers.
Prerequisite: consent.

392. Producing the Amateur Play (3 hours)
Second Semester, alternate years. Offered 2011-2012. 
In this course the students will go through all the steps of producing an amateur theatrical. The course work will cover the basics of the on stage functions (acting - directing), the back stage functions (set, lights, costumes, props, etc.), house management, public relations and advertising, box office and business.
Prerequisites: PA 207, PA 290, or PA 291 and sophomore standing.

394. Directing the Full-Length Play (3 hours)
As Needed
Practical experience in all the aspects of theatre directing in a full-length play format. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: PA 293 and permission of instructor.

399. Independent Study (1-9 hours)
Each Semester.
Independent study in an area of the Performing Arts. The study may result in a research project or a creative project.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, six or more hours of 200 level or better PA courses, and consent of the instructor.

450. Senior Recital (2 hours)
Each Semester. 
Study and performance of repertoire appropriate to the student’s ability and representative of a variety of styles and historical periods. Weekly hour of applied instruction. Performance accompanied by a research document to include formal (and textual, where appropriate) analysis and historical background of works performed. Additional weekly hour-long studio class required. Students will perform for each other and work with faculty in master class format.
Prerequisite: Consent and senior standing.

460. Senior Project (3 hours)
Each Semester. 
A creative project in the performance (directing, acting, writing) or technical (set, costume, lighting) aspects of theatre that results in full-length program presented to a public audience.
Prerequisites: Performing Arts Major with a theater concentration; completion of all the core Performing Arts curriculum, and senior standing