Music-Ensembles (MUEN)

MUEN 1701 IPA & Lyric Italian Diction (1 Credit)

Learn the practical application of proper pronunciation in Italian for singing, a necessary tool for communication with an audience. Preparation for a group Liederabend at the end of the quarter.

MUEN 1702 Lyric French Diction (1 Credit)

Learn the practical application of proper pronunciation in French for singing, a necessary tool for communication with an audience. Preparation for a group Liederabend at the end of the quarter.

MUEN 1703 Lyric German Diction (1 Credit)

Learn the practical application of proper pronunciation in German for singing, a necessary tool for communication with an audience. Preparation for a group Liederabend at the end of the quarter.

MUEN 1988 Study Abroad Resident Credit (0-18 Credits)

MUEN 2988 Study Abroad Resident Credit (0-18 Credits)

MUEN 3025 Ensemble Block (3 Credits)

Ensemble Block can be taken by students who are assigned to multiple ensembles in one quarter without full participation in each group. Instructor permission is required for registration.

MUEN 3029 Steel Drum Ensemble (0-1 Credits)

The steel drum music of Trinidad and Tobago as well as other styles of music from around the world are studied and performed by this ensemble. Participation in this ensemble does not require music notation. Participation in the ensemble is limited; therefore, students are selected by a simple audition process.

MUEN 3037 Vocal Repertoire Combo (0-1 Credits)

The Vocal Repertoire Combo is coached by one of our faculty of performing jazz and commercial music artists and is concerned with vocal jazz solo repertoire and performance practices. The combo performs one concert each term on campus and frequent concerts in the community and on tour. Admission is by audition.

MUEN 3038 Vocal Jazz Combo (0-1 Credits)

The Vocal Jazz Combo is coached by one of our faculty of performing jazz and commercial music artists and is concerned with vocal jazz repertoire and performance practices. The combo performs one concert each term on campus and frequent concerts in the community and on tour. Admission is by audition.

MUEN 3041 North Indian Classical Ensemble (0-1 Credits)

The arts of India are distinguished by their close interrelationship; rhythm, melody and movement are all encompassed by the term "sangeet." In keeping, DU's North Indian Classical Ensemble is dedicated to the practice of all three of these arts, through singing, rhythmic recitation and dance. Participation in this ensemble involves studying the ornate and highly refined systems of Hindustani music and Kathak dance. No prior experience is necessary; all that is required is a positive attitude and a desire to learn!.

MUEN 3045 Flex Jazz Ensemble (0-1 Credits)

The Flex Jazz Ensemble is a modern jazz group with open-ended instrumentation. The ensemble consists of traditional jazz instruments and vocalists as well as nontraditional jazz instruments (such as double reed, French Horns, strings, etc). While there is no specific instrumentation for the ensemble, the core of the group will always be the traditional modern jazz rhythm section: piano (keys-synth), bass (acoustic and electric), drums (plus an extra percussionist as needed), and guitar (hollow body and Stratocaster-styles with the full range of pedals and gear. With the addition of non-traditional instrumentation, the ensemble reaches out to the classical side of Lamont to give those students a jazz opportunity. Along with the regular fare of programmed concerts, this ensemble also provides opportunities to other departments (theatre, creative writing, studio art, EDP, etc) to incorporate their disciplines in performances.

MUEN 3046 Indonesian Music Ensemble (0-1 Credits)

This class provides a practical and theoretical introduction to Indonesian performance traditions from the islands of Bali and Java. Through hands-on instruction and oral transmission, students will learn a variety of gamelan (gong/chime ensemble) traditions. While learning this sophisticated cyclic music, class discussions, assigned readings, films, and guided listening will further familiarize students with the social and cultural meanings of the musics performed in class. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to learn basic hand, foot, and eye movements for Balinese and Javanese dance, as well as to study kecak, a Balinese vocal music that imitates the sound of the gamelan. The course will culminate in an end of the quarter concert. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

MUEN 3047 Xperimental Jazz Ensemble (0-1 Credits)

The Xperimental Jazz Ensemble is a pan-genre ensemble with a focus on creativity expressed through improvisation, transcription, arrangement, and composition. XJE will have variable instrumentation that may include vocalists, all “classical” and “jazz” instruments, and emergent electronic instruments and software. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

MUEN 3048 Bluegrass Ensemble (0-1 Credits)

In this class, students will receive instruction on proper bluegrass performance fundamentals with traditional bluegrass instruments, the harmony and rhythm of bluegrass music, the art of simultaneous playing and singing, the proper interpretation of the chosen repertoire per the composers' style, and the social and cultural influences that inspired the music. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

MUEN 3100 Lamont Jazz Small Group (0-1 Credits)

All Lamont jazz small groups will focus on the basic elements of communication and musicality that make up high-level jazz performance practices. Students will transcribe, compose and or arrange their own material and will have numerous opportunities to perform each quarter. Admission to all small groups is by audition only.

MUEN 3677 Bow Art Ensemble (0-1 Credits)

The Bow Art Ensemble explores the study and rehearsal of traditional and contemporary chamber orchestra repertoire, history, and culture, to be led in conjunction with Lamont performance faculty and guest artists. Students will receive instruction on proper techniques, musical styles, study of traditional and contemporary collaborative leadership and democratic approaches to performing in a conductor-less ensemble.

MUEN 3678 Lamont Baroque Orchestra (1 Credit)

Immerse yourself in the dramatic and expressive world of Baroque music and learn the basics of Baroque performance practice. Fall quarter will serve as an introduction to Baroque string playing while Winter and Spring quarters will focus on exploring diverse repertoire. Historically Informed Performance (HIP) is the practice of approaching music of the past with knowledge about the musical styles and musical technologies with which it was originally conceived and performed. It is not a recreation of the past but rather an exploration of what the past offers us as 21st-century performers. HIP involves 1) “performance practice”—what kinds of approaches and instrumental techniques are appropriate to the given repertoire; and 2) the use of period instruments—what instrumental technologies (such as bows and strings) are appropriate to the given repertoire. While a culturally- or historically-informed approach is possible to any music, this ensemble will focus on the music of the 17th and 18th centuries (primarily in Europe). Baroque bows will be available for students to borrow. Open to all string players. Singers, keyboardists, and others may also participate with permission.

MUEN 3679 Lamont Consort of Viols (1 Credit)

The viola da gamba, or viol, is a six-stringed instrument with frets that is bowed underhand and comes in several sizes, from violin sized to cello sized. Extremely popular in 16th and 17th-century Europe, it was particularly prized among aristocratic amateur players in England. Explore the beautiful fantasias and polyphony written for a group of viols (called a consort). Open to both new and returning viol players, instruments are available to borrow. While previous string experience is useful, it is not required.

MUEN 3710 Opera (0-1 Credits)

Practical experience in operatic performance. One production each quarter; major production in winter quarter. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

MUEN 3712 Lamont Chorale (0-1 Credits)

The Lamont Chorale is a select mixed voice choir that performs choral literature from the Renaissance to present and strives for a high level of artistry. The choir performs works from the great masters of music, as well as living composers, world music, and spirituals. The Lamont Chorale is open to undergraduate and graduate students, music majors, non-music majors, and community members. Credits from this course can fulfill the AI-Society credit requirement for undergraduate students.

MUEN 3720 Pioneer Pep Band (0-1 Credits)

MUEN 3730 American Heritage Chorale (1 Credit)

This ensemble will explore through choral music the various ways in which music written by American composers has been influenced and has its roots in music from other cultures and regions of the globe. Special attention shall be given to music by African American composers. American Heritage Chorale is open to all students interested in singing. Prior choral experience is not required. A brief vocal interview will determine appropriate placement within the ensemble. The course will conclude with a performance at the end of the quarter. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

MUEN 3731 The Spirituals Project Choir (0-1 Credits)

This ensemble will explore African American spirituals as an art form, tradition, and tool for social change through performance, reading, and listening. Because the core of this ensemble is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational community choir, students will have the unique opportunity to join with and learn from a group of singers immersed in this musical tradition. Students will participate in 2-3 performances over the course of the term, the majority of which will be outside of Lamont. Through performance and study of spirituals and related music, students will gain a musical and cultural understanding of this dynamic music and gift from African Americans to the world. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

MUEN 3740 Voces Fortes (0-1 Credits)

Voces Fortis is a low voice choir that performs a wide variety of choral literature, including masterworks, a cappella works, spirituals, new music, and world music. The choir is open to undergraduate and graduate students, music majors, non-music majors, and community members. Credits from this course can fulfill the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture credit requirement for undergraduate students.

MUEN 3750 Modern Music Ensemble (1 Credit)

The 20th- and 21st- Centuries have produced some of the most expressive, intriguing, and diverse music ever written. In this course, students have the opportunity to prepare and perform chamber music by 20th-Century masters, as well as recent works by living composers and new pieces written for them by students. This repertoire often involved unusual combinations of instruments (potentially including strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, plucked instruments, keyboards, vocals, and electronics), providing an opportunity for students to work in less familiar ensembles. Students may also participate in the course by conducting or composing. The course is limited to music majors who are graduate students or advanced undergraduate students. Students in their first or second undergraduate year, and music non-majors may enroll with instructor approval.

MUEN 3751 Lamont Jazz Orchestra (0-1 Credits)

This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

MUEN 3752 Lamont Wind Ensemble (0-1 Credits)

Open to all students by audition and approval of conductor; regularly scheduled concerts. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

MUEN 3753 Lamont Jazz Ensemble (0-1 Credits)

Open to all students by audition and approval of director of jazz studies; regularly scheduled concerts. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

MUEN 3760 Lamont Symphony Orchestra (0-1 Credits)

The LSO generally performs six symphonic concerts and one opera each year. Students are exposed to orchestral repertoire from all periods and styles of music as well as appropriate performance practices associated with each period and style. The LSO is open to all university students by audition. However, because the course objective is to prepare students for successful professional orchestra careers, all participants are held to a very high standard and level of expectation. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

MUEN 3769 Organ Accompanying (0-1 Credits)

Major choral/vocal and major instrumental repertoire with organ accompaniment are studied and prepared for possible performance with chamber groups or local professional/church choirs.

MUEN 3770 Chamber Ensemble-Piano (0-1 Credits)