Music department, plan of study for a music degree
Private string instruction and opportunities to play in chamber orchestra and jazz ensembles are available for credit through arrangements with Bethel College. Contact the Hesston College Music Department for more information.
Mus 105 Introduction to Music Theory . . . . . 3 hours
Covers sight-singing, dictation, beginning composition, and basic harmonic practice. Incorporates computerized practice and review. Essential for the music major.
Mus 108 Introduction to Conducting . . . . . 3 hours
Provides the beginning conductor with practical procedures and materials to conduct in all meters. Provides conducting experiences in class and with college choral groups. Emphasizes proper conducting and rehearsal techniques. Offered alternate years.
Mus 111-112 Bel Canto Singers (F) . . . . . 1+1 hour
Mus 211-212 Bel Canto Singers (S) . . . . . 1+1 hour
A select choir of 20 to 22 voices performs music appropriate for a chamber ensemble. Members are required to take two semesters of private voice. Bel Canto Singers perform off campus at least two extended weekends per year. On alternate years, a two-week tour is taken following spring semester. Singers purchase outfits at a cost of about $80 for women, $150 for men. Credit optional.
Mus 116 Class Voice . . . . . 1 hour
Develops basic vocal technique, performance abilities, musicianship, and sight singing. Emphasizes solo-singing, part-singing, and stage conduct. Music is chosen in consultation with the instructor.
Mus 117 Class Piano . . . . . 1 hour
Introduces music reading skills and finger coordination, reading and playing simple compositions, understanding musical elements. (For those having less than one year previous study.)
Mus 121-122 Chorale (F) . . . . . 1+1 hour
Mus 221-222 Chorale (S) . . . . . 1+1 hour
An auditioned choir of about 40 voices performs music composed for larger choral ensembles. Members are encouraged to take class or private voice or piano. Chorale tours extensively during spring break. Singers purchase outfits at a cost of about $80 for women, $150 for men. Credit optional.
Mus 135-136 Wind Ensemble (F) . . . . . 1+1 hour
Mus 235-236 Wind Ensemble (S) . . . . . 1+1 hour
An auditioned group of woodwind, brass, and percussion players. The ensemble performs contemporary and traditional literature for the wind band as well as sacred works. Ensemble members also make up the “Screaming Larks” pep band which performs during the college basketball season. Participation in the pep band is encouraged but not required.
Mus 137 Class Guitar . . . . . 1 hour
Introduces folk guitar. Develops knowledge and skill of basic guitar chording, strumming patterns, finger picking, music reading, and playing while singing. Music is chosen in consultation with the instructor. Students provide their own guitars.
Mus 141 Music Theatre Workshop . . . . . 1 hour
Same as ThAr 141. See course description listed under Theatre.
Mus 161-162 Private Voice (F) . . . . . 1+1 hour
Mus 261-262 Private Voice (S) . . . . . 1+1 hour
One-to-one vocal instruction that includes technical exercises to develop musical skills and physical coordination for singing and vocal literature chosen according to the personal, vocal, and musical needs of the student. Extra fee.
Mus 151-152 Private Wind/Brass/Percussion (F) . . . . . 1+1 hour
Mus 251-252 Private Wind/Brass/Percussion (S) . . . . . 1+1 hour
Mus 171-172 Private Piano (F) . . . . . 1+1 hour
Mus 271-272 Private Piano (S) . . . . . 1+1 hour
Mus 181-182 Private Organ (F) . . . . . 1+1 hour
Mus 281-282 Private Organ (S) . . . . . 1+1 hour
Mus 191-192 Private Guitar (F) . . . . . 1+1 hour
Mus 291-292 Private Guitar (S) . . . . . 1+1 hour
Private lessons in wind/brass/percussion, piano, organ, and guitar by individual appointment with the instructor. Prerequisite: previous experience or consent of instructor. Extra fee.
Mus 200-201 Music Theory I, II . . . . . 4+4 hours
Continues music reading, dictation, composition, counterpoint, form, traditional and twentieth-century harmony, and keyboard harmony. Prerequisite: Mus 105 or consent of instructor.
Mus 240 Chorale: European Tour . . . . . 1 hour
Preparation for concert tour and performance of 15 concerts in European Mennonite or related churches. Informal singing where appropriate (cathedrals, town squares, etc.). Each student is required to present a project on location about a subject of his/her choosing dealing with fine arts or Anabaptist history. The group may also attend concerts in various cities. Approximately half of the evenings will be spent in homes. Offered alternate summers. Open only to members of Chorale and Bel Canto Singers.