Department of Ensembles and Conducting
West Chester University,
West Chester, PA 19383
Department of Ensembles and Conducting
Andrew Yozviak, Chairperson
There are no programs leading to an undergraduate degree in ensembles and conducting. However, the department does offer undergraduate courses in this area.
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 undergraduate students are held to the academic policies and procedures outlined in the undergraduate 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
David P. Devenney (1996)
B.M., Iowa State University; M.M., University of Wisconsin-Madison; D.M.A., Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati
Jean-Christophe Dobrzelewski (2008)
Diploma of Modern Languages, Numaz-Droz School (Switzerland); Prix de Trompette, Conservatoire de Musique de Tueil-Malmaison (France); M.M., University of Maine; D.M.A., Arizona State University
Marc M. Jacoby (2005)
B.M., Berklee College of Music; M.M., New England Conservatory of Music; M.M., Ph.D., Northwestern University
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
Instructors
Joseph Caminiti (2015)
B.A., Calvin College; M.M., Ithaca College
Jonathan C. Ragonese (2020)
B.M., M.M., Manhattan School of Music
AEB
AEB 112. Marching Band Front. 1 Credit.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Typically offered in Fall.
Repeatable for Credit.
AEB 199. Transfer Credits. 1-10 Credits.
Transfer Credits.
Repeatable for Credit.
AES
AES 122. Steel Drum Ensemble. 0.5-1 Credits.
The WCU Steel Drum Ensemble (Ram Pans) is a traditional steel band featuring music from the Caribbean, and more specifically the island of Trinidad. The 25-piece ensemble features a range of steel drums from bass pans up to lead pans performing a wide range of entertaining music. All are welcome to perform in this group, but members should know how to read music notation. No audition is required.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
AIM
AIM 429. Special Subjects Seminar. 1-3 Credits.
Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for Credit.
AME
AME 101. Ensembles for Music Minor. 1 Credit.
This course fulfills the ensemble performance requirement for the Music Performance Minor and should be taken every semester a student participates in a large or small ensemble with the exception of Marching Band and Marching Band Front. Students are introduced to wind, orchestral, and vocal literature as well as rehearsal techniques per their specified participation in one of the large or small ensembles offered every semester. Ensemble participation requires an audition. Audition dates and materials will be provided to interested students.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
CHO
CHO 199. Transfer Credits. 0.5-3 Credits.
Transfer Credits.
Repeatable for Credit.
CON
CON 199. Transfer Credits. 1-10 Credits.
Transfer Credits.
Repeatable for Credit.
CON 311. Instrumental Conducting I. 1.5 Credit.
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the basic skills required to conduct an instrumental ensemble.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
CON 312. Instrumental Conducting II. 1.5 Credit.
A continuing study of instrumental conducting. Extensive score study explores phrasing; relevance of instrument basics such as string techniques and bowing; woodwind, brass, and percussion technique; and idiomatic challenges. Honing of gestures that reflect this deepened understanding of instrumental scores is included. A strong emphasis is placed on rehearsal technique and musicianship training, treating music as sound and art.
Pre / Co requisites: CON 312 requires a prerequisite of CON 311 or CON 321.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
CON 313. Advanced Instrumental Conducting. 2 Credits.
This course focusing on advanced conducting techniques focuses on extensive score study, relevance of instrument basics such as string techniques and bowing, woodwind, brass, and percussion technique. Honing of gestures that reflect this deepened understanding of instrumental scores is addressed. A strong emphasis is placed on rehearsal technique, error detection, interpretation, and treating music as sound and art.
Pre / Co requisites: CON 313 requires prerequisites of CON 311 and CON 312.
Typically offered in Spring.
CON 321. Choral Conducting I. 1.5 Credit.
The study of conducting choral music and developing interpretations that influence gesture decisions.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
CON 322. Choral Conducting II. 1.5 Credit.
The purpose of this course is to acquire advanced conducting skills and choral techniques through an exploration of music from various historical style periods. This includes analysis of music from the conductor's perspective, discovering and solving technical challenges in choral and choral/orchestral literature, and designing rehearsals to facilitate work in various genres with the appropriate musical forces.
Pre / Co requisites: CON 322 requires a prerequisite of CON 321 or CON 311.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
CON 323. Advanced Choral Conducting. 2 Credits.
The purpose of this course is to provide intensive instruction in advanced conducting techniques, including the conducting of recitative, opera, and major choral/orchestral works. It is assumed that students enrolled in this course will have completed basic courses in conducting and be prepared for the challenges of conducting difficult passages from standard literature that present unique problems.
Pre / Co requisites: CON 323 requires a prerequisite of CON 322.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
CON 411. Wind Band Literature. 1 Credit.
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.
Typically offered in Spring.
ENS
ENS 199. Transfer Credits. 1-10 Credits.
Transfer Credits.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 310. 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.
Typically offered in Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 311. 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. An audition is required for participation.
Typically offered in Fall.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 312. 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.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 313. 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. A successful audition is required for participation in the group.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 313 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 314. 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. A successful audition is required for participation in the group.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 314 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 315. 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. A successful audition is required for participation in the group.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
ENS 321. Orpheus Singers. 0.5-1 Credits.
A chorus presenting the choral literature for male voices. Open to all male students by audition.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 321 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 322. Allegro Voices. 0.5-1 Credits.
A chorus presenting the choral literature for female voices. Open to all female students by audition.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 322 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 323. Mastersingers. 0.5-1 Credits.
Small group of singers specializing in the performance of Renaissance/Baroque, sacred, and secular literature. Membership by audition.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 323 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 324. Oriana Chorale. 0.5-1 Credits.
A choral ensemble for upper level treble voices.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 324 requires admission by audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 325. 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. Membership by audition.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 325 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 326. Chamber Choir. 0.5-1 Credits.
Small group of singers specializing in the performance of Renaissance/Baroque, sacred, and secular literature. Membership by audition.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 326 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 327. Vocal Jazz. 0.5-1 Credits.
Small group of singers specializing in the performance of music composed for vocal jazz ensembles. Membership by audition.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 327 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 328. Recital Choir. 0.5-1 Credits.
The primary purpose of the Recital Choir is to serve as a laboratory chorus for the graduate students who are candidates for the Master of Music in Choral Conducting. All students who sing in this ensemble are required to audition for placement.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 328 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 335. 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. A successful audition is required for participation in the group.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 335 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 336. 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.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 336 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 341. Criterions Jazz Ensemble. 0.5-1 Credits.
The Criterions is an ensemble with traditional big band instrumentation that performs jazz and jazz related music. Enrollment is determined by auditions scheduled at the start of the Fall semester.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 341 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 342. Statesmen Jazz Ensemble. 0.5-1 Credits.
The Statesmen is an ensemble with traditional big band instrumentation that performs jazz and jazz related music. Enrollment is determined by auditions scheduled at the start of the Fall semester.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 342 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 343. 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. Membership is determined by auditions held at the beginning of the fall semester.
Pre / Co requisites: ENS 343 requires an audition.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
ENS 344. 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.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
VOC
VOC 426. Choral Literature. 2 Credits.
The development and performance style of the choral repertoire.
