2007-2008 Catalog

Washington College: Your Revolution Starts Here

Music

Division of Humanities

From the time of the ancient Greeks, music has been an integral part of civilization. In the medieval university, with arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy, it formed the quadrivium, the upper division of the seven liberal arts. Further, music held an important position in the philosophy and theology of the age. Music has been indispensable to cultures through the centuries, and its intellectual and artistic possibilities have proved to be limitless.

Liberal arts students have traditionally studied music through its history and literature, its theoretical aspects, and its performance. The music department at Washington College is committed to assisting both students who expect to study music in preparation for a professional career as well as those who wish to pursue music as an interest or avocation. Music majors are expected to acquire a thorough grounding in history and literature, in theory, and in performance, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge creatively. The course offerings provide solid preparation for lifelong study and for the making and teaching of music.

All students pursuing the study of music in a liberal arts setting, regardless of intended major or future career, are given opportunities to explore music and to develop their individual musical talents through a selection of classroom experiences, private lessons, and ensemble offerings.

Freshman-Sophomore Requirements

A student planning to major in music should have completed Music 131, 132, 203, and 204 before the junior year. In addition, the prospective music major should arrange to study applied music and to participate in performance groups during the first two years at Washington College.

Major Requirements

In addition to the courses listed under freshman-sophomore requirements, all music majors must also take Music 231, 232, 233; two courses from among those numbered 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, and 313; and two years of applied music (four years are recommended). In addition, 330, 331, and 430 are recommended for majors. All majors are required to study two years of piano if the major area of performance is another instrument or voice. All music majors must participate in those performance ensembles for which they are qualified. Music majors are also required to perform as a soloist in a student recital at least once during the junior or senior year. If a student intends to pursue graduate work in music, the department strongly recommends studying two years of German or French, in that order of preference.

Senior Capstone Experience

The Senior Capstone Experiencein music may be fulfilled by writing an extensive research paper or an extended composition; by presenting a research paper in conjunction with a lecture recital; or by performing a solo recital.

Minor Requirements

Seven courses are required for a minor in music. Required courses are Music 131, 132, 203, and 204. Three additional courses are to be selected from the following: Music 231, 232, 330, 331, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, and/or 233 and 430. Up to four semesters of applied music study may also be counted toward the minor. Music minors will also participate in those ensembles for which they are qualified.

Distribution Requirement

Music courses may be used to satisfy a portion of the distribution requirement at Washington College. In the natural science and quantitative requirement, Music 131, 132 (or Music 231, 232 if a student has advanced placement) may be used to satisfy the quantitative requirement if two courses are taken in this category. If one course is taken, Music 131 (or Music 231 if a student has advanced placement) should be selected. In the humanities and fine arts distribution requirement there are several options if a student wishes to take two courses in the fine arts. Any two four-credit history/literature courses may be taken; or any four-credit history/literature course may be combined with any applied music courses. If a student wishes to take one course in the fine arts, any four-credit history/literature course will fill the distribution.

Applied Music

Instruction in applied music is aimed at solving technical problems, developing knowledge of the literature, and performing successfully. One hour of daily practice per half-hour lesson is expected.

All courses in applied music are half courses (one semester each), and two sequential courses must be taken to gain one course credit. There is an additional fee of $275 for each applied music course. Music majors are exempted from paying this fee.

Music Ensembles

Music ensembles offer students the opportunity to study an important body of literature through rehearsal and performance. The ensembles rehearse a minimum of two hours a week and perform at least once a semester. Students receive one quarter course credit per semester for membership in a performance ensemble. Only eight credits may count toward the 128 required for graduation; additional ensemble credit may be elected beyond the thirty-two required for graduation.

177, 178, 277, 278, 377, 378, 477, 478. Washington College Concert Band

The Concert Band studies and performs concert band and wind ensemble music from various musical periods. Membership is open to qualified students.

179, 180, 279, 280, 379, 380, 479, 480. Washington College Vocal Consort

The Vocal Consort sings music from all principal periods and performs both on and off campus. The ensemble is open to students through auditions, which take place at the beginning of each semester.

181, 182, 281, 282, 381, 382, 481, 482. Washington College Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble presents programs each semester and plays at various College functions throughout the year. Membership is open to qualified students.

183, 184, 283, 284, 383, 384, 483, 484. Washington College Chorus

The College Chorus performs music from all principal style periods. Concerts are given regularly at Christmas and in the spring. Membership is open to students.

185, 186, 285, 286, 385, 386, 485, 486. Washington College Early Music Consort

The Early Music Consort is an instrumental ensemble that performs music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque eras on period instruments. Membership is open to qualified students.

187, 188, 287, 288, 387, 388, 487, 488. Chamber Ensembles

Various woodwind, brass, and string ensembles (duets, trios, quartets, quintets) perform in recitals throughout the year. They are open to qualified students.

191, 192, 291, 292, 391, 392, 491, 492. Washington College String Ensemble

The String Ensemble studies and performs orchestral music from various musical periods. Membership is open to qualified students.

195, 196, 295, 296, 395, 396, 495, 496. Washington College Afro-Cuban Ensemble

The ensemble focuses primarily on the Cuban drum and song traditions associated with rumba and Santeria. Musical literacy is not a requirement; instead, rhythms and melodies will be transmitted via the oral traditions that are prevalent in Cuba. Membership is open to all students.

Course Descriptions Music History/Literature and Music Theory

100. Introduction to Music

An introduction to music, including the study of notation, the basic elements of music theory, terminology, instrumentation, form, and the basic style periods. Representative works will be examined, and the aesthetics of music will be considered. Intended for students with little or no background in music.

131, 132. Elementary Theory

A study of the elements of diatonic harmony—chord structures and functions—through part-writing exercises. Aural and keyboard training, score analysis, and composition of small pieces. Recommended for participants in performance groups. Music 131 is prerequisite to 132.

203, 204. History of Western Music

An examination of music in Western culture from its roots in ancient Greece to the present day. Representative compositions from each period are studied in some detail, and the relationship of music to the social-cultural background of each period is examined. Music 203 covers music before 1750 and Music 204 after 1750.

231, 232. Advanced Theory

Advanced work in diatonic harmony. Chromatic harmony and elements of atonality; serial procedures. Analysis of an extended tonal work; original composition. Prerequisite: Music 132. (Students who have a strong background in theory may take an examination to receive advanced standing and exemption from this prerequisite.)

233. Conducting and Arranging

A study of basic conducting skills, score reading, rehearsal techniques, and the elements of arranging. Prerequisite: Music 132 or permission of the instructor.

303. American Music

A study of music in the colonies and the United States from the various editions of the Bay Psalm Book to the music of the present.

304. Opera

Opera from the Florentine era to the present. The elements that comprise opera are studied, and representative works are analyzed. Students attend performances at the Washington National Opera as part of their study in the course.

305. History of Jazz

An exploration of jazz from its roots and musical components to its status in 21st-century culture.

306. Medieval and Renaissance Music

A study of music from approximately the fifth through the sixteenth centuries with emphasis on analysis of selected representative compositions.

307. Baroque Music

A study of the principal styles and forms of music from 1600 to 1750.

308. Music in the Classic Period

A study of the principal styles, forms, and composers of the pre-Classic and Classic periods (ca. 1720 to ca. 1820).

309. Music Since 1900

A survey of music from the turn of the twentieth century to the present.

310. Music and Gender

An examination of the role of gender in music, including the effect of gender on music history, analysis, and performance. Topics will include the lives and musical accomplishments of selected musicians, and the impact of social and cultural conditions affecting those musicians.

311. Mozart's Operas

This course will examine eight of Mozart's operas, from Mitridate, rè di Ponto, composed when he was fourteen, to La clemenza di Tito and Die Zauberflöte, written a few months before his death. The works will be examined for musical and dramatic content, as well as for what they say about society, politics, and sexuality. In addition, such topics as Mozart's interest in freemasonry and its effect on some of his works will be studied.

312. Music in the Romantic Period

A study of the principal styles, forms, and composers of the Romantic period (ca. 1820 to ca. 1900).

313. Ethnomusicology in Latin America

Students will be introduced to ethnomusicological theory and method, while focusing on the musical practices of South and Central America and the Caribbean. Folk, ritual, popular, and art/classical traditions will be examined in the contexts of cultural issues such as belief systems, politics, aesthetics, and identity.

330. Counterpoint

Study of two great periods of contrapuntal music: sixteenth-century vocal music and eighteenth-century instrumental music. Exercises and composition in two and three voices; analysis of contrapuntal works.

331. Analytical Technique

A study of the principles of musical organization through analysis of compositions from diverse periods in music history. Prerequisite: Two years of music theory or permission of the instructor.

194, 294, 394, 494. Special Topics

A period course in music history or an offering in some other specific area of interest, such as conducting, composition, or independent research.

430. Orchestration (two credits)

A study of the fundamentals of orchestration. Prerequisite: Two years of theory or permission of the instructor.

190, 290, 390, 490. Internship

195, 295, 395, 495. On-campus Research

196, 296, 396, 496. Off-campus Research

197, 297, 397, 497. Independent Study

SCE. Senior Capstone Experience

The Senior Capstone Experiencein music may be fulfilled by writing an extensive research paper or an extended composition; by presenting a research paper in conjunction with a lecture recital; or by performing a solo recital.

Courses Offered In The Washington College Abroad Programs

103. Appreciation of Music

An introduction to Western music literature through a nontechnical presentation of various musical styles and forms. Offered in the London program only, both fall and spring semesters. Three credits.

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