MU Commercial Ensembles

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.

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.

To audition for a Commerical Ensemble, please visit here for details!

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

Office: WVPAC 215

Phone: 417-988-7312