Department of Ensembles and Conducting
West Chester University,
West Chester, PA 19383
Department of Ensembles and Conducting
Dr. Yozviak, Chairperson
Dr. Fowler, Graduate Coordinator
Return to Wells School of Music Information
Mission Statement
The mission of the Wells School of Music is to provide an inclusive, world-class education by engaging students in diverse and evolving degree programs that further artistic excellence and help students become valuable contributors to a greater society.
Vision Statement
The Wells School of Music will continue to develop quality and innovative programs to ensure student success. We will strive to build our standing as a cultural resource that begins in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and extends throughout the nation. Through performance and scholarship at the highest levels, our faculty will build national and international reputations that reflect on and contribute to the university community. As respected musicians, scholars, composers, performers, educators, and music therapists, our graduates will enter their respective fields with an entrepreneurial spirit that will foster innovation to meet the ever-changing landscape in the world of music.
All applicants to one of West Chester University’s graduate programs will be held to the graduate admissions requirements. When applicable, additional requirements for admission into specific department program(s) may be listed below.
Admission Requirements for the M.M. in Performance
In addition to the general requirements for admission to degree programs in music, performance applicants must:
- Schedule an interview with the graduate coordinator and the department chairperson
- Submit a repertoire list
- Demonstrate performance ability at an advanced level by performing for an audition committee
Vocal performance applicants must audition with a program, including selections drawn from Italian art song, German Lied, French melodie, opera, and oratorio as well as demonstrate diction competency in Italian, German, and French. Students lacking nine undergraduate credits in another language must remove this deficiency before candidacy.
Admission Requirements for the M.M. in Performance - Choral and Instrumental Conducting Concentrations
In addition to the general requirements for admission to degree programs in music, conducting applicants must:
- Submit transcripts showing completion of a bachelor's degree in music
- Demonstrate conducting ability at an advanced level by performing for an audition committee and submitting a video recording
All graduate students are held to the academic policies and procedures outlined in the graduate catalog. Students are encouraged to review departmental handbooks for program tips, suggested course sequences, and explanations of procedures. When applicable, additional policies for specific department programs may be listed below.
Professors
Kimberly D. Adams (2024)
B.A., Oberlin College; B.M., Oberlin Conservatory; M.M., Yale School of Music; D.M.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ryan M. Kelly (2013)
B.M., Houston Baptist University; M.M., University of Oklahoma; D.M.A., Michigan State University
Andrew Yozviak (2009)
Chairperson, Ensembles and Conducting
B.S., West Chester University; M.M., Indiana University, Bloomington; D.M.A., Rutgers University
Associate Professor
Jonathan C. Ragonese (2020)
B.M., M.M., Manhattan School of Music
Assistant Professor
Hannah C. Morrison (2024)
B.M.E., M.M., Baylor University; D.M.A., University of Missouri
AIM
AIM 679. Special Subjects Seminar. 1-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for credit.
AIM 681. Independent Study In Music. 1 Credit.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for credit.
AIM 682. Independent Study In Music. 2 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for credit.
AIM 683. Independent Study In Music. 3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for credit.
AIM 691. Research Seminar In Music. 2 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for credit.
AIM 692. Research Seminar In Music. 1 Credit.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for credit.
CON
CON 510. Advanced Instrumental Conducting. 2 Credits.
The purpose of this course is to refine basic conducting techniques and explore more advanced methods of communicating with ensembles through the art of conducting.
CON 511. Applied Instrumental Conducting I. 3 Credits.
The course seeks to develop a mastery of conducting instrumental ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in conducting, analytical studies, score reading, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire and rehearsal techniques. Course includes weekly individual applied 60-minute conducting lesson and performances with WCU instrumental ensembles.
CON 512. Applied Instrumental Conducting II. 3 Credits.
The course seeks to develop a mastery of conducting instrumental ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in conducting, analytical studies, score reading, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire and rehearsal techniques. Course includes weekly individual applied 60-minute conducting lesson and performances with WCU instrumental ensembles.
CON 513. Applied Instrumental Conducting III. 3 Credits.
The course seeks to develop a mastery of conducting instrumental ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in conducting, analytical studies, score reading, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire and rehearsal techniques. Course includes weekly individual applied 60-minute conducting lesson and performances with WCU instrumental ensembles.
CON 514. Applied Instrumental Conducting IV. 3 Credits.
The course seeks to develop a mastery of conducting instrumental ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in conducting, analytical studies, score reading, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire and rehearsal techniques. Course includes weekly individual applied 60-minute conducting lesson and performances with WCU instrumental ensembles.
CON 520. Advanced Choral Conducting. 2 Credits.
The purpose of this course is to refine basic choral conducting techniques and explore more advanced methods of communicating with choral ensembles through the art of conducting.
CON 521. Applied Choral Conducting I. 3 Credits.
The course seeks to develop a mastery of conducting choral ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in conducting, analytical studies, score reading, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire and rehearsal techniques. Course includes weekly individual applied 60-minute conducting lesson and performances with WCU choral ensembles.
CON 522. Applied Choral Conducting II. 3 Credits.
The course seeks to develop a mastery of conducting choral ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in conducting, analytical studies, score reading, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire and rehearsal techniques. Course includes weekly individual applied 60-minute conducting lesson and performances with WCU choral ensembles.
CON 523. Applied Choral Conducting III. 3 Credits.
The course seeks to develop a mastery of conducting choral ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in conducting, analytical studies, score reading, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire and rehearsal techniques. Course includes weekly individual applied 60-minute conducting lesson and performances with WCU choral ensembles.
CON 524. Applied Choral Conducting IV. 3 Credits.
The course seeks to develop a mastery of conducting choral ensembles through the development of advanced competencies in conducting, analytical studies, score reading, knowledge of outstanding artistic repertoire and rehearsal techniques. Course includes weekly individual applied 60-minute conducting lesson and performances with WCU choral ensembles.
CON 580. Special Topics in Conducting. 1-3 Credits.
This is a special topics course in conducting highlighting specific areas, topics or styles of conducting. Topics vary from semester to semester. The course is designed to provide musicians the opportunity to sharpen conducting skills, strengthen score study techniques, broaden knowledge of literature, and refine rehearsal strategies.
Repeatable for credit.
CON 581. Summer Wind Band Symposium. 1-3 Credits.
The West Chester University Summer Wind Conducting Symposium is designed to provide musicians the opportunity to sharpen conducting skills, strengthen score study techniques, broaden knowledge of wind literature and refine rehearsal strategies. Students will conduct chamber ensembles during the morning sessions and a full wind ensemble in the afternoon.
CON 582. Summer Choral Conducting Symposium. 1-3 Credits.
The West Chester University Summer Choral Conducting Symposium is designed to provide musicians the opportunity to sharpen conducting skills, strengthen score study techniques, broaden knowledge of choral literature and refine rehearsal strategies.
Repeatable for credit.
CON 583. Summer Marching Band Workshop. 1-3 Credits.
This immersive workshop offers music educators and marching band directors the opportunity to learn from world-renowned guest lecturers on various topics vital to the success of a marching band program. Participants will explore areas such as program design, assessment, student leadership, rehearsal strategies, culture development, and wellness.
CON 611. Wind Band Literature. 3 Credits.
The course seeks to introduce the extensive and diverse body of music for wind band. Historical context and cultural impacts will be highlighted along with the personalities and movements that have cultivated this repertoire.
CON 613. Chamber Recital. 2 Credits.
Students enrolled in this course will conduct a chamber concert 45-60 minutes in length that may take one of a number of forms. The concert may be presented by an ad hoc ensemble that the student has assembled from WCU students, alumni, friends, and other instrumentalists; or the ensemble may be a school, community, or church ensemble that they conduct on a regular basis. Programming should indicate a strong knowledge of wind band repertoire appropriate to the level of the ensemble. This is a capstone course for students enrolled in the Master of Music in Conducting Instrumental Concentration degree program.
CON 621. Choral Literature I. 3 Credits.
The purpose of this course is to survey and study the important and seminal works of choral literature, from the Renaissance to the present day. Emphasis is placed on historical trends, stylistic developments, genres of choral music, and important composers. At the conclusion of this course, students should have gained a perspective on this vast literature, in addition to having gained special knowledge of several different works that they have studied in more depth.
CON 622. Choral Literature II. 3 Credits.
The purpose of this course is to survey and study the important and seminal works of choral literature, from the Romantic era to the present day. Emphasis is placed on historical trends, stylistic developments, genres of choral music, and important composers. At the conclusion of this course, students should have gained a perspective on this literature, in addition to having gained special knowledge of several different works that they have studied in more depth.
CON 623. Chamber Recital. 2 Credits.
Master's in Choral Conducting degree recital.
ENS
ENS 510. Basketball Band. 0.5-1 Credits.
The West Chester University "Sixth Man" Basketball Band provides musical entertainment and organized enthusiasm that contributes to a one-of-a-kind game environment at WCU men's and women's basketball games! A non-auditioned group, members of the "Sixth Man" Basketball Band are student musicians that are interested in providing support to our athletic program while upholding a standard of performance excellence that has become synonymous with the Wells School of Music.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 511. Marching Band. 1 Credit.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to perform in a world-class marching band. Performance competencies resulting from the West Chester University "Incomparable" Golden Rams Marching Band should include, but not be limited to: keen perception, aesthetic sensitivity, creativity, analysis, and evaluation, based upon heightened student musical awareness, enjoyment, and understanding. Other educational outcomes resulting from the WCUIGRMB include improved self-image, teamwork and cooperative learning, critical and higher-level thinking, goal setting/achievement, self-discipline, decision-making, and informed consumerism.
ENS 511 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 512. Concert Band. 0.5-1 Credits.
The Concert Band is one of four concert wind bands at West Chester University of Pennsylvania open to majors and non-majors. The Concert Band regularly represents the university during campus concerts and events. The course seeks to enable students to participate in artistically engaging musical performances through the study and preparation of significant wind band literature. No audition is required for participation in the group.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 513. Wind Symphony. 0.5-1 Credits.
The Wind Symphony is one of four concert wind bands at West Chester University of Pennsylvania open to majors and non-majors. The Wind Symphony regularly represents the university at regional conferences and performance tours. The course seeks to enable students to participate in artistically engaging musical performances through the study and preparation of significant wind band literature.
ENS 513 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
ENS 514. Wind Ensemble. 0.5-1 Credits.
The Wind Ensemble is one of four concert wind bands at West Chester University of Pennsylvania open to majors and non-majors. The Wind Ensemble regularly represents the university at regional, national and international conferences and performance tours. The course seeks to enable students to participate in artistically engaging musical performances through the study and preparation of significant wind band literature.
ENS 514 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 515. Chamber Winds. 0.5-1 Credits.
The Chamber Wind Ensemble is one of four wind bands at West Chester University of Pennsylvania open to majors and non-majors. The Chamber Wind Ensemble regularly represents the university at regional, national, and international conferences as well as biennial European performance tours. The course seeks to enable students to participate in artistically engaging musical performances through the study and preparation of significant wind literature.
ENS 515 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 521. Orpheus Singers. 0.5-1 Credits.
A chorus presenting the choral literature for male voices. Open to all male students.
ENS 521 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 523. Mastersingers. 0.5-1 Credits.
Small group of singers specializing in the performance of Renaissance/Baroque, sacred, and secular literature.
ENS 523 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 524. Oriana Chorale. 0.5-1 Credits.
A choral ensemble for upper level treble voices.
ENS 524 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 525. Concert Choir. 0.5-1 Credits.
An upper level choral ensemble devoted to acquiring a fine technique in choral singing through the preparation of programs for performance.
ENS 525 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 526. Chamber Choir. 0.5-1 Credits.
Small group of singers specializing in the performance of Renaissance/Baroque, sacred, and secular literature.
ENS 526 Prerequisite: A successful audition.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 527. Vocal Jazz. 0.5-1 Credits.
Small group of singers specializing in the performance of music composed for vocal jazz ensembles.
ENS 527 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 528. Recital Choir. 0.5-1 Credits.
An elective choir that supports conducting experiences with graduate conductors.
ENS 528 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 535. Symphony Orchestra. 0.5-1 Credits.
The purpose of this course is to deepen students' musical understanding through symphony orchestra repertoire in rehearsal and performance. The course is designed to help develop the students' musical and professional skills in preparation for careers in music. Instruction in ensemble protocol, musicianship, and artistry are critical foci.
ENS 535 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 536. Chamber Orchestra. 0.5-1 Credits.
To deepen students' musical understanding through string and chamber orchestral repertoire in rehearsal and performance. The course is designed to help develop the students' musical and professional skills in preparation for careers in music. Instruction in ensemble protocol, musicianship, and artistry are critical foci.
ENS 536 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 541. Criterions Jazz Ensemble. 0.5-1 Credits.
The Criterions is an ensemble with traditional big band instrumentation that performs jazz and jazz related music.
ENS 541 Prerequisite: requires an audition scheduled at the start of the fall semester.
Repeatable for credit.
ENS 542. Statesmen Jazz Ensemble. 0.5-1 Credits.
The Statesmen is an ensemble with traditional big band instrumentation that performs jazz and jazz related music.
ENS 542 Prerequisite: requires an audition scheduled at the start of the fall semester.
ENS 543. Latin Jazz Ensemble. 0.5-1 Credits.
The Latin Jazz Ensemble plays Latin-Jazz, Mambo, and Salsa music made popular by musicians such as Mario Bauza, Tito Puente, Chucho Valdes, and Eddie Palmieri. Members of this ensemble learn the fundamentals of playing in clavé as well as more advanced concepts of Latin music styles with an emphasis on strong rhythmic interpretation, performance practices, and improvisation.
ENS 543 Prerequisite: requires an audition.
ENS 544. Jazz Combo. 0.5-1 Credits.
Jazz combo rehearsals are an intensive weekly opportunity to explore the possibilities of improvisation in group form. The instrumentation of the ensemble changes based upon enrollment.
Repeatable for credit.
MWB
MWB 536. Marching Band Techniques Workshop. 1-3 Credits.
Marching Band Workshop (1-3) A comprehensive marching band conference for the total marching band program. Foremost authorities offer instruction in their fields
MWB 537. Marching Band Techniques Workshop. 1-3 Credits.
Marching Band Workshop (1-3) A comprehensive marching band conference for the total marching band program. Foremost authorities offer instruction in their fields
MWB 538. Marching Band Techniques Workshop. 1-3 Credits.
Marching Band Workshop (1-3) A comprehensive marching band conference for the total marching band program. Foremost authorities offer instruction in their fields
MWB 539. Marching Band Techniques Workshop. 1-3 Credits.
Marching Band Workshop (1-3) A comprehensive marching band conference for the total marching band program. Foremost authorities offer instruction in their fields
VOC
VOC 691. Research Seminar In Music. 2 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
VOC 692. Research Seminar In Music. 1 Credit.
Contact department for more information about this course.
