Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I’m not a music major—can I still join one of the ensembles?
The majority of ensemble members are not music majors. In fact, depending on the ensemble, up to 75% of members are not music majors.
Do ensembles count toward Core Curriculum credit? Can they be repeated for credit?
Chorus, Jazz Band, Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble count for one credit each semester toward the Artistic Knowledge and Experience requirement of the Core Curriculum. Ensembles can be repeated to fulfill the three-credit requirement.
How many concerts do you perform each semester?
Each ensemble performs two concerts per semester. Currently, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble share concerts, and Chamber Choir, Chorus, and Orchestra share concerts.
How are ensembles graded?
In general, ensembles are graded principally on participation, which includes attendance and music preparedness. In addition, most courses include a small writing requirement. Contact your respective ensemble director for more details.
I’m registered for 18 credits, but I still want to join an ensemble—what are my options?
FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
In your first semester, you are limited to 18 credits, so if you have already registered for up to 17, you can still register for an ensemble. Your admissions advisor might balk if you register for 17, let alone 18 credits, so please contact your respective ensemble director and we can help facilitate this addition.
In your second semester, as long as you maintained good grades during your first semester (usually a minimum 3.0 GPA), you can register for up to 18 or sometimes even 19 credits. You will need an override to surpass 18 credits, so contact your respective ensemble director before the semester begins to get the paperwork filled out and submitted.
FOR SOPHOMORES & UPPERCLASSMEN
Student in good standing (usually 3.0 GPA) can register for up to 21 credits per semester with no additional tuition fees. You will need an override to surpass 18 credits, so contact your respective ensemble director before the semester begins to get the paperwork filled out and submitted.
Are ensembles a year-long commitment? Can I join in the spring if I have a fall conflict?
If you cannot enroll during the fall semester, consider joining in the spring semester—we welcome mid-year enrollees!
Where do ensembles rehearse? Where are the concerts held?
Most ensembles rehearse in Mundelein Center, either in the Auditorium or in a tenth floor classroom. Concerts take place in Mundelein Center Auditorium and Madonna della Strada Chapel. Admission is free to all Music Program concerts. Beginning in fall 2012, renovations of the first and second floor of Mundelein Center will be completed, opening up new performance, rehearsal, and practice room areas.
For more information on Music Program concerts, visit our Arts Alive blog: http://blogs.luc.edu/artsalive/
How do auditions work? What should I prepare? Does my audition affect enrollment?
Auditions occur during the first week of each semester. Generally, members of fall ensembles do not need to re-audition in the spring. For most ensembles, auditions are for chair or section placement only and do not affect enrollment. The exception is Jazz Band, due to the nature of the band’s instrumentation.
Usually, auditions involve playing or singing a brief prepared excerpt as well as a scale. In some cases, excerpts will be sent to you prior to auditions. Contact your respective ensemble director for more details.
Where can I store my instrument? Do you have instrument lockers?
There is limited locked storage space in the backstage area of Mundelein Center Auditorium. Currently, there are no individual instrument lockers available; however, beginning in fall 2012, instrument lockers and new storage spaces will be available in the renovated 1st floor music wing of Mundelein Center.
I don’t own an instrument—can I borrow one from the school?
The Music Program has limited instrument supplies available for student use. All percussion instruments, as well as keyboard mallets, are available. Most brass mutes, for trumpet, horn, and trombone, are available. For a complete list of instruments available, see below:
| piccolo (1) | bassoon (2) | bass (1) | bari sax (1) | acoustic guitar (9) |
| English horn (1) | A clarinets (2) | tenor (1) | soprano sax (1) | guitar amp (3) |
| flugelhorn (5) | bass clarinets (2) | euphonium (3) | tenor sax (2) | string bass (1) |
| horn (1) | E-flat clarinet (1) | tuba (3) | cello (2) | bass amp (1) |
Students who use school-owned instruments, including all percussionists, must pay a $30 per semester fee to cover repairs and upkeep.
How do applied lessons work? What about chamber music?
Applied lessons are available for most wind, brass, and string instruments, as well as piano, voice, percussion, and guitar. Lessons are a one-credit course taught by a Music Program faculty member which involves a thirty-minute lesson each week, culminating in a juried performance at the end of the semester. Auditions for lessons occur at appointed times late in the fall and spring semesters for returning students, and during the summer or on the first day of the fall semester for incoming or transfer students. In addition, there is no application deadline for incoming or transfer students. Please visit this page for more details: http://luc.edu/dfpa/a_musc_app_auditions.shtml
Chamber music is a one-credit course available for small (usually 3-8 member) ensembles of string, woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments; jazz combos can also apply. All chamber ensembles or combos are coached by Music Program faculty. Jazz, classical, and percussion chamber ensembles all perform concerts at the end of each semester. For more information, contact Dr. Haysun Kang at hkang2@luc.edu.
What extracurricular music groups are available on campus?
Pep Band, also known as the Band of Wolves, plays at all the men’s and women’s basketball home games in Gentile Arena. The season begins in early November and runs through early March. Scholarships are available based on attendance. Please contact Rick Lowe at flowe@luc.edu for more information.
In addition, there are a few student a cappella ensembles on campus; please visit theses sites for more information:
Return to:
Chamber Choir
Chorus
Jazz Band
Liturgical Choir: Cantorum
Orchestra
Wind Ensemble