American Band College (ABC)

SOU CATALOG HOME : SCHOOLS AND DEPARTMENTS : MUSIC : AMERICAN BAND COLLEGE : COURSES

The structure of this school area master's degree program (MA or MS in arts and letters) follows the guidelines set by the dean of the School of Arts and Letters and the Music Department chair. Candidates must be admitted to Graduate Studies at Southern Oregon University.

For general information about the graduate program, please consult the Graduate Studies section of this catalog.

Major Department (Music)

Select 36 credits in graduate level music courses as follows:

• Band Director Pedagogy (three summers of 6 credits each). Written examinations required. 18
• Practical Applications (three summers of 3 credits each). Oral examinations required. 9
• Research (Mus 515, 516, 517) 9
• Related Department Related, non music graduate-level coursework 9

  Total credits 45

Admission

In addition to the requirements for admission to a graduate degree program, a preliminary examination covering the entire curriculum of the American Band College four-year program must be taken prior to admission. Results of the entrance examination determine any necessary remedial work and are the basis for practical application credits.

Classes

All classes offered under the American Band College summer program are required for three summers. These include four daily lectures and two daily performances in the ABC Director's Band. Completion of written examinations is required. Only those ABC summer class credits taken under examination may be included in the 18 credit block listed above.

Exit Examination

Candidates must complete a demonstration final (in addition to the written examination) on July 5 of the summer during which all coursework is completed. The purpose of the demonstration examination is to show the candidate's ability to successfully do start-up lessons with a beginner on clarinet, horn, and snare drum and to diagnose specific controlled problems encountered with a rehearsal band (comprised of all other ABC master's degree candidates).