MU Commercial Ensembles

Millersville University Commercial Music Ensembles

Fall 2024 Commercial Bands

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Sections:

About the Bands

Audition Sign Up

Preparing for the Audition

About the Bands

The Commercial Bands Program at Millersville is a robust program made up of roughly 70 students a year organized into 6-8 individual bands. Many of the students are music industry majors, but all music majors and minors are welcome to audition and be a part of this exciting program. Due to the space limitations of ensembles, we require students to be music majors or music minors to be a part of the ensembles. More information about becoming a music minor can be found on our Tell School website. We hold auditions at the beginning of the school year, and students stay in the groups the entire school year. Occasionally there might be spaces open at mid-semester, but those are rare. The bands take on a life of their own by choosing a name, and a general format, and students learn how to work within a band setting. Professionalism personal accountability, and communication skills are but a few skills students learn in addition to musical excellence and performance. Please read more below about the two individual classes.

Director Info:

Dr. Jennifer Jester: jennifer.jester@millersville.edu

Office: WVPAC 215

Phone: 417-988-7312

MUSI 124 Commercial Lab Bands

The goal of the commercial lab band is to enable students to improve their ability to rehearse, arrange, perform, and record commercial popular music repertoire in a group setting. Song selection, arrangement duties, individual rehearsal schedules, and recording goals will be arranged at the beginning of each semester.

  • Auditions are for the entire year and are during the first days of the first week of class. See below for specific days/times.
  • The instructor will put you in the appropriate ensemble based on audition results. Students do not need to register for the class.
  • Commercial ensembles are only open to current music majors and minors.
  • Students take the class for credit for the major performance area. If you are in more than one ensemble per semester, then you can take the course for zero credit.
  • Students work to improve basic tools of commercial music performance, professionalism, and rehearsal etiquette
  • Students audition at the beginning of the semester and are placed into assigned groups that are either in lab bands or commercial ensembles
  • Groups are assigned performances twice a semester at Phantom Power and Clair Hall
  • Students work to improve their skills of musicianship, interpersonal communication, and professionalism.
  • Rehearsal times are 4:00pm – 5:30pm Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Students are required to make room in their schedule for their assigned ensemble. No other classes, ensembles, lesson, internship, or work should be scheduled conflicting with your assigned ensemble time.  
  • Concerts appear in the syllabus from the first day of class. It is your responsibility to plan ahead with work and other conflicts. If you miss a concert, 25% of your grade will be an F.

MUSI 324 Commercial Music Ensemble

The purpose of the commercial music ensemble is to enable students to improve their ability to

Rehearse, arrange, perform, and record commercial popular music repertoire. Specific goals for the

Commercial Music Ensemble will be determined at the start of the semester. A course of song selection, arrangement duties, individual rehearsal schedules and recording goals will be put forward. By following through on the activities described above the student will develop commercial music skills that will serve them in their professional music careers as performers, educators, and entrepreneurs. There are 2 required performances a semester and there may be occasional “pop up concerts.” Every attempt will be made to schedule these far in advance so that everyone can attend, and work schedules aren’t disrupted.

  • Auditions are for the entire year and are during the first days of the first week of class. See below for specific days/times.
  • The instructor will put you in the appropriate ensemble based on audition results. Students do not need to register for the class.
  • Commercial ensembles are only open to current music majors and minors.
  • Students take the class for credit for the major performance area. If you are in more than one ensemble per semester, then you can take the course for zero credit.
  • Students work to improve basic tools of commercial music performance, professionalism, and rehearsal etiquette
  • Students audition at the beginning of the semester and are placed into assigned groups that are either in lab bands or commercial ensembles
  • Students work to improve their skills of musicianship, interpersonal communication, and professionalism.
  • Rehearsal times are 2:30pm – 4:00pm Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Students are required to make room in their schedule for their assigned ensemble. No other classes, ensembles, lesson, internship, or work should be scheduled conflicting with your assigned ensemble time.  
  • Concerts appear in the syllabus from the first day of class. It is your responsibility to plan ahead with work and other conflicts. If you miss a concert, 25% of your grade will be an F.
  • This class has two levels –
  • Commercial Bands Track – Can be repeated each year. Audition in August, instructor placed into groups via audition and skill needs.
  • Artist Development Track –For questions and more info, contact Dr. Jester directly.
    • Students need to have completed and passed Solfege 1 as a prerequisite.
    • Students need to have completed and passed 1 year (2 semesters) of MUSI 294 as a prerequisite (including transfers need to complete one year of commercial bands at MU).
    • Requires a formal written proposal from group, and meeting with the director completed no later than the first day of classes of the start of the August semester.
    • Students self- choose group with no less than 3 people and no more than 7 people.
    • All students must have:
      • A recommendation from their studio lesson teacher
      • Demonstrated appropriate musicianship, interpersonal communication, and professionalism at a level worthy of participating in this program (see rubrics below) the year prior.
      • To advance, students must score:
        • Commercial Bands Student Performance Assessment Rubric – must score 3 or higher in the semester prior to request.
        • Commercial Bands Student Professional Assessment Rubric – must score 3 or higher during the semester prior to the request, have recommendation from private teacher and instructor, and have completed one year in the commercial bands track for one consecutive year prior.
      • The instructor has the right to refuse or demote a student into the ADT at any time based on any attendance, preparation, and/or behavioral issues.
      • This option is a privilege and is reserved only for students who have proved maturity to be able to handle the demands and deadlines. Students who are demoted or refused, would then participate in the Commercial Bands Track.
      • The group proposal would include:
        • What the group wants to create – write a clear statement of vision for the group complete with a detailed timeline of goals broken down by month.
        • A year long timeline to perform and record.
        • Demonstrate small songwriting portfolio.
        • Groups would create a timeline for group goals in conjunction with the timeline required for course (see below)
        • Proposals would be reviewed by the director and studio teachers of the students involved. Proposals would be either accepted, rejected, or resubmit with suggestions for amendments and to resubmit.
        • To participate: Proposal Due Dates
          • Group proposals due by August 15 prior to start of semester.
          • Meeting date with instructor of accepted group, due within first week of classes at beginning of semester.
          • A limited number of proposals can be accepted based on space limitations during rehearsal times each semester and the total needs of the number of ensembles.

AUDITION SIGN UP INFORMATION

Fall 2024 Commercial Music Ensembles Audition Information

Commercial Music Ensemble Auditions and First Week of Rehearsals: Auditions are during the FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES

  • Audition Days/Times - Be sure to sign up for an audition ASAP
    • Monday August 26 – 5:00pm – 9:00pm
    • Tuesday August 27 – 2:30pm – 9:30pm
    • First class meeting Thursday during the first week of class - You’ll receive notification on which ensemble you are in and what time/which class.

For the Audition:

1. Complete the Audition Form (link below) to give me all of your pertinent information, and other things. Please do not forget this form. It needs to be completed PRIOR to the audition. Only takes about 3 mins.

Personal Info Form Link

2. Sign up for a 7-minute audition slot that is convenient for you. Please sign up for an audition time. If you aren’t able to make any of the slots for the instruments/voice, please use the “Flex” spots. If none of the audition slots work, please contact Dr. Jester (see info at bottom of page). Sign up for your audition by clicking the SignUp Genius Link.

Fall 2024 Audition Signup

3. Show up at the audition at your time (or preferably before) - CHRYST HALL, 2nd floor main large room. This building is directly across the street from Sugar Bowl.

4. During the 7-minute audition, you will sing/play the materials for your particular voice/instrument. PLEASE READ THE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS BELOW FOR YOUR SPECIFIC INSTRUMENT/VOICE. PLEASE COME PREPARED WITH YOUR OWN TRACKS TO PLAY WITH. YOU are responsible for coming in and having YOUR OWN accompaniment ready to go, or you will forfeit your audition time. Each audition slot is 7 mins. NEW members (freshmen to seniors!) are welcome and encouraged to audition. Previous experience is not required.

5. ABOUT RESULTS and ENROLLING IN CLASS The results will be emailed to everyone who signed up for an audition. Dr. Jester will be providing final rosters for each section of class and the department will enroll you in the appropriate class. This is a class for .5 credits UNLESS you are in more than one ensemble and that ensemble enrolled you first OR you have completed 2 credits of ensembles in 4 semesters. Otherwise, all students must be enrolled in the .5 credit section. The class will meet as a mass group on Thursday during the first week of class.

Individual Instrument Audition Information

  • Vocals or Rap

    2 prepared songs of contrasting styles performed with backing tracks. 


    Song 1 - 1 minute


    Song 2 - 1 minute


    Singing harmonies - 30 seconds

    • One piece can be original, at least one must be a cover
    • One piece should demonstrate background vocals or the ability to sing harmonies.
    • One piece should include improvisation (melodic and/or lyrical). Some ideas for soloists to emulate are: Aretha Franklin, Freddie Mercury, James Brown, Esperanza Spalding, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton
    • Rapping can be either as a cover or an original
    • Singers must bring in their own backing tracks, and need to be ready to go to quickly plug into a headphone jack-style plug to play their songs (this might require a computer if you don’t have a phone converter.
    • If you have questions about pieces or what to audition on please contact Brandon Martinez brandon.martinez@millersville.edu
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  • Electric Guitar

    2 prepared songs of contrasting style 

    Song 1 - Approx 2 mins

    Song 2 - Approx 2 mins (must include a solo if possible)

    • Should demonstrate diversity of both rhythmic and melodic playing
    • One piece should include a lead guitar solo. Some ideas for soloists to emulate are Jimi Hendrix, Annie Clark, Carlos Santana, David Gilmour, Nancy Wilson, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Prince, etc.
    • Pieces should demonstrate a variety of chordal usage: open chords, barre chords, power chords, triads, etc.
    • If you wish to also be considered for singing lead, please sign up for a second audition slot specifically for singers. 
    • If you wish to be considered for a backing vocalist, please demonstrate singing and playing at the same time in your audition. 
    • You must bring in YOUR OWN backing tracks, and need to be ready to go to quickly plug into a headphone jack-style plug to play their songs (this might require a computer if you don’t have a phone converter.
    • If you have questions about pieces or what to audition on please contact Professor Cullen at david.cullen@millersville.edu or Professor Banks at rusty.banks@millersville.edu
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  • Acoustic Guitar and Ukulele

    2 prepared songs of contrasting style 

    Song 1 - Approx 2 mins 

    Song 2 - Approx 2 mins

    • Should demonstrate diversity of both rhythmic and melodic playing
    • One piece should include finger picking (not strummed)
    • Pieces should demonstrate a variety of chordal usage: open chords, barre chords, power chords, triads, etc.
    • If you wish to also be considered for singing lead, please sign up for a second audition slot specifically for singers. 
    • If you wish to be considered for a backing vocalist, please demonstrate singing and playing at the same time in your audition. 
    • You must bring in YOUR OWN backing tracks, and need to be ready to go to quickly plug into a headphone jack-style plug to play their songs (this might require a computer if you don’t have a phone converter.
    • If you have questions about pieces or what to audition on please contact Professor Cullen at david.cullen@millersville.edu or Professor Banks at rusty.banks@millersville.edu
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  • Keyboards

    2 prepared songs of contrasting style 

    Song 1 - Approx 2 mins 

    Song 2 - Approx 2 mins

    • Should demonstrate diversity of both rhythmic and melodic playing
    • Pieces should demonstrate rock piano voicings (i.e. not playing a bass line)
    • One piece should include some kind of improvisation
    • If you wish to also be considered for singing lead, please sign up for a second audition slot specifically for singers. 
    • If you wish to be considered for a backing vocalist, please demonstrate singing and playing at the same time in your audition. 
    • You must bring in YOUR OWN backing tracks, and need to be ready to go to quickly plug into a headphone jack-style plug to play their songs (this might require a computer if you don’t have a phone converter.

    If you have questions about pieces or what to audition on please contact Dr. Pan at xun.pan@millersville.edu

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  • Electric Bass

    4 prepared bass grooves:

    • Should demonstrate a variety of styles that show versatility and ability to play in the pocket
    • Some ideas for bassists to emulate for cover grooves: James Jamerson, Carol Kaye, Flea, Paul McCartney, John Entwistle, Gail Ann Dorsey, etc.
    • One can be composed, three should be covers
    • If you wish to also be considered for singing lead, please sign up for a second audition slot specifically for singers. 
    • If you wish to be considered for a backing vocalist, please demonstrate singing and playing at the same time in your audition. 
    • You must bring in YOUR OWN backing tracks, and need to be ready to go to quickly plug into a headphone jack-style plug to play their songs (this might require a computer if you don’t have a phone converter.
    • If you have questions about pieces or what to audition on please contact Professor Vitale at michael.vitale@millersville.edu 

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  • Drums

    2 prepared pieces and 2-4 additional grooves

    • Should demonstrate a variety of groove styles: aka Rock, Hip Hop, Latin, etc.
    • Must demonstrate the ability to play along with the recording and demonstrate the ability to switch between drum grooves in sections of the song
    • If you wish to be considered for a backing vocalist, please demonstrate singing and playing at the same time in your audition. 
    • You must bring in YOUR OWN backing tracks, and need to be ready to go to quickly plug into a headphone jack-style plug to play their songs (this might require a computer if you don’t have a phone converter.
    • If you have questions about pieces or what to audition on please contact Professor Goss at stephan.goss@millersville.edu or Professor Murr at paul.murr@millersville.edu
    


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  • Brass, Strings, and Winds

    2 prepared pieces

    • Should demonstrate style and versatility as lead or accompanist
    • Should include an improvisatory section
    • Encouraged for brass, strings, and winds: an original, simple arrangement of you playing backgrounds over a chord progression. Backing tracks or karaoke tracks can be found via YouTube for free.  If you wish to be considered for a backing vocalist, please demonstrate singing and playing at the same time in your audition. 
    • You must bring in YOUR OWN backing tracks, and need to be ready to go to quickly plug into a headphone jack-style plug to play their songs (this might require a computer if you don’t have a phone converter.
    • If you have questions about pieces or what to audition on please contact your private lesson teacher or Dr. Jester at jennifer.jester@millersville.edu
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  • Virtual Instruments

    
Your live audition gives us a view into your abilities as a player, so we encourage you to choose a piece that showcases what makes you unique as a musician, whether it's live looping, loop variation, live effects processing, finger drumming, live synth playing, or all of the above. ANY of the Commercial Ensembles could make use of a person triggering samples, playing patches, manipulating filters, etc.



    Audition: 
These are the sections of your audition

    1. Prepared piece performed live (cannot be pre-recorded) Your prepared piece should be:
- performed live (cannot be pre-recorded)
- approximately 1-2 minutes in length
- in any style that demonstrates your instrumental proficiency and your overall musicianship.
    2. An improvisational exercise

    Your selection should showcase your ability in areas such as:

    • clip launching;
    • live synth playing;
    • finger drumming;
    • live effects processing;
    • live looping; and/or
    • loop variation.

    Choosing Your Prepared Piece

    You should perform a piece that you are comfortable with and that displays your strengths as an electronic musician. Select a piece that highlights what you feel represents your best abilities as a live performer. Choose a piece that showcases your individual style and your ability to perform live, such as an original, a cover, or a live remix. 

    Virtual Instruments Audition Day Checklist

    1. All components of your instrument: 
      • Computer and power cords/cables/charger.
      • Controllers (grid, keyboard, mixer, or other): there is a 49-key MIDI controller available on-site, but we strongly suggest that you use your own controllers.
      • Cables for your setup: our PA system allows for female XLR, balanced 1/4", and 1/8" cable connections.
    2. An audio interface and/or mixer if you need one: we will provide tables and music stands.
    3. Headphones if you'd like to check your sound before playing in the room.

    Setting up

    You will have less than 1 minute to set up for the audition, so please be mindful of bringing a performance system that you can set up relatively quickly that will still allow you to demonstrate your musical abilities. 

    • If you wish to also be considered for singing lead, please sign up for a second audition slot specifically for singers. 
    • If you wish to be considered for a backing vocalist, please demonstrate singing and playing at the same time in your audition. 
    • You must bring in YOUR OWN backing tracks, and need to be ready to go to quickly plug into a headphone jack-style plug to play their songs (this might require a computer if you don’t have a phone converter.
    • If you have questions about pieces or what to audition on please contact Rusty Banks at rusty.banks@millersville.edu.
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