FAPQ!!!!!

(Frequently asked Percussion Questions)

share these with your parents!

Percussion Items to Acquire

PDF

PLACES YOU NEED TO LOCATE ASAP:

• Percussion Bulletin board/offices/practice rooms/ensemble rooms: 2nd floor, 223, 208,220,224,226, to the right from elevator
• main music office: first floor, glassed in room, introduce yourself to the secretaries
• advising office: first floor 107, Linda McQuaid
• Band office: 2nd floor: 238, Beth Robinson
• Scheduling office: 2nd floor, Thomas Posavac, 236 (scheduling for the recital hall, etc)
• Orchestra office: 253A
• Orchestra bulletin board: first floor, across from advising
• Percussion equipment storage: 113C
• Art and Architecture library: NW corner of the Architecture building (close by... .see university map)
• Adonic Rose lessons: 326,367

Who do I need to know?

Dr. Michael Varner

Professor James Yakas

Artist in residence Adonis Rose

Percussion equipment manager

Building/hall manager Thomas Posavac

Ensemble Directors, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Bands, Choirs, etc

When are auditions for ensembles?

Auditions for all ensembles are held at the beginning of each semester. Signs will be posted prominently around the elevators and percussion bulletin boards. Usually the auditions are the week before class begins or the first week of classes. Follow the directions on the annoucement to sign up for an audition time. Sign up as soon as possible for auditions and be there warmed up ontime.

If there are multiple levels of ensembles (such as band or percussion) you register for the basic ensemble and then when you are chaired into a particular group you will be informed about how to change your schedule. this "drop/add" should not cost you anything extra.

You need to get in the habit of stopping by the percussion bulletin boards each day as this is our primary way of communicating important dates and annoucements to you. Additionally we will set up a "spam" list at the beginning of the semester and you will be emailed important information. UTArlington supplies you with an email address which we encourage you to use instead of your hotmail/yahoo account. Your degree plan requires you to perform in at least one large ensemble per semester. However you want to try to perform in as many ensembles as practical, especially the percussion ensembles, because a music degree is an "enrichment" degree meaning that your "value" on the career market is directly related to the positive experiences you partake in while in college.

What do Ensemble auditions consist of?

These are the type auditions used at UTArlington and in the professional world.

• "Excerpt" audition: where particular musical excerpts are chosen and you are required to perform them. Follow the instructions on the annoucement and get the excerpts (usually available online or when you register for the audition). Thoroughly prepare the excerpts to a high performance level.

• Sight-reading audition: you will sight-read short etudes on a number of particular instruments. To prepare for this style audition hone your sightreading skills by daily practice reading out of a number of different books. Make sure you practice sight reading mallet instruments, drumset, and timpani as well as rhythmic snare drum things.

• "Playing" audition: most often used in jazz bands, where you "sit-in" with an ensemble and demonstrate your skills. Generally on drumset auditions make sure you are very familiar with the most common type "grooves." Visit the VicFirth Website to download the "groove Essentials" chart which is a great resource for the most common "basic" styles.

When is my lesson? Who will I be studying with ?

Each music major signs up for applied lesson (the official name of private lessons at the university level) each semester they are in residence. This is NOT an extra activity but instead a class you pay for and a class that goes toward your degree completion. Applied lessons are possibly your MOST important class because this is where you work "ONE ON ONE" with a professional musician/educatore who will be your MENTOR for the time you are at UTArlington. This is the class where your individual needs and challenges are most FOCUSSED on and the class where you should be devoting the most amount of your waking hours to! How you improve your personal skills as a musician directly affect EVERYTHING else in your career.

Lessons are given once a week and are 50 minutes sessions. 14 lessons a semester(15 weeks are in a semester, first week is preparation and counseltation with your professor mentor).

Lessons times are listed as "TBA (to be announced). Watch the percussion bulletin board for annoucements on "percussion semester meeting." At that meeting you will turn in a copy of your schedule and a lesson time will be assigned to fit your schedule. If you have a time/day preference you are encouraged to list it and it will be honored WHEN POSSIBLE. Lesson times are generally on weekdays between 9 and 4:30. DO NOT SCHEDULE WORK, RECREATION, OUTSIDE EVENTS UNTIL YOU HAVE FINALIZED YOUR LESSON AND PRACTICE SCHEDULE. Remember, as a professional developing a career your FIRST PRIORITY is your role as a student and your improvement on your primary instrument: PERCUSSION. ALL other outside activities and indeed academic classes should take a backseat to your daily skill improvement on your main musical area of expertise.

Traditionally the first week of class is used to set your lesson time, prepare the first actual lesson, and procure all necessary semester lesson supplies, books, etc. Your lesson time will be posted shortly after the meeting along with the professor you will be studying with.

Applied lessons are taught by Dr. Varner, Professor Yakas, and Artist-in-residence Adonis Rose. During your time at UTArlington you will study with each. WHO you study with depends on WHAT you are studying that semester, and other factors. By studying with each different professor you will have the chance to experience a variety of teaching techniques and learn many new ideas.

After you have received a time and professor assignment make an appointment (stop by your professors office or email) and contract for your particular semester assignment. Actual lessons begin the 2nd week of classes.

What about fraternities/sororities?

A number of social fraternities and sororities are available on campus for you to participate in. We particularly encourage participation in music fraternities because they understand the time needs for music students. Unlike social/recreational fraternities music fraternities tend to be "service" organizations who, in addition to social activities, devote their time and energy toward the betterment of music and our music program. If you wish to be involved in fraternities we encourage you to check the posted annoucements around the building for the groups PHI MU ALPHA, KAPPA KAPPA PSI, and TAU BETA SIGMA. During marching band camp and the first week of class these groups will have social gatherings to welcome you to campus and meet you... usually involving free food... Many percussionist participate so you will get more information from them as you get acquainted with everyone.

What percussion books do I need?

There is a list of books regularly used in percussion applied lessons focussing on proficiencies. Specifically which books you use each semester will depend on your own progress and the skill level you are beginning at.

This is a list of the most common texts used throughout multiple skill levels here at UTArlington. We try to work out of historically and internationally recognized texts so that you will familiarize yourself with the literature and the common texts your future students will need to be familar with. Purchase these listed texts because they will last you over all four years of your residency. Remember to budget funds each semester for acquisition of the text you need for that level. Luckily percussion study texts are not nearly as expensive at class text books! There are a number of local sources that stock and sell our course books as well as the nationally recognized percussion stores. OUR UNIVERSITY BOOK STORE DOES NOT STOCK OUR PERCUSSION STUDY BOOKS. You must get in the habit of inquiring before the semester so that you have the texts you need from the very FIRST day of the semester. This will allow you to work daily and consistently prepare for your applied lesson.

Although you will be tempted to "borrow" books, remember that these texts will last you your entire career. The Percussion books you own will be repeatedly used by you AND your future students..... keep them clean, nice and in a safe place. Try not to lend them to friends or borrow them. You will want to write notes, stickings, suggestions in the books for your later study and if it is someone elses book then you will loose these.

Remember to put your name in your books in ink.... most all percussion students will own exactly the SAME books and it is hard to tell who's is who's!

We reccomend you acquire the following books before the semester and then consult with your Professor about semester specific books. By adding these nationally recognized texts to your collection you will start preparing for your career!

What instruments or mallets do I need?

Download attached PDF file. A professional performer, educator, needs to own a diverse set of items. The PDF is a list of items that you will need throughout your career and are NOT supplied by the university.

How do I get a practice room?

We have a number of practice rooms dedicated to percussonists however the number of majors and the amount of desired practice time means that you need to schedule use of the rooms to insure everyone gets the maximum opportunity. Sign-up sheets will go up toward the middle of the first "preparation" week of classes. Once you know your daily schedule (asap) sign up for times to practice in the rooms. The rooms contain drumsets, timpani, 4.3 marimba, xylophone, 5.0 marimba and snare drum.

Try to get in the "discpline" of practicing regularly everyday and at the "same time" everyday. If a practice room is empty you may use it any time. After you pay your "instrument usage fee" (more information below) your ID card will be activated for the rooms and you will have access to all percussion facilities. Except when the building is closed these facilities are always available for you. MAKE SURE YOU PUT BACK THE ROOM IN THE CONDITION YOU FOUND IT/REMOVE ALL PERSONAL ITEMS FROM THE ROOMS so that everyone has a chance to start practice with a clean/orderly facility.

practice rooms: 208,227,226,220,221,228 367.

Many other practice rooms are shared by other vocalists/instrumentalist and are open. you may use these as long as you return any percusson items to their correct storage location.

The large ensemble room is available for practice but dedicated to those who are preparing recitals/practicing timpani/mulitple percussion/ or need a 5.0 marimba. Please utilize other rooms whenever possible. DO NOT ALLOW STRANGERS OR OTHER STUDENTS INTO THE ROOMS WITH YOUR SCAN CARD.Your scan card records when YOU enter/exit the room so if you let someone else in and there is damage... YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE.

When you leave the room, make sure the room is back orderly, turn out the light, and make sure the door is securely locked.

How many hours a day should I practice?

This really depends on your own personal development needs. the general rule is at least 1 hour per day per instrument area you are studying (generally in applied lessons you study two primary instruments per semester. Remember that practice is a "developmental" process... meaning you need to get daily exercise for the muscles and the mind... INCLUDING WEEKENDS. You CANNOT "cram" for practice as it is a daily calisthenic like track or weight lifting... the amount of practice time you personally need depends on what YOU require to fully prepare your weekly lesson material. Keeping a practice "log" and conferring with your applied professor, especially the first semesters you are here will insure success and constant improvement.

Also remember to set aside additional time to practice parts for the ensembles you are committed to. This will include preparation to do your maximum best for band, marching band, percussion ensemble, jazz, etc.

Is it possible to get scholarship money once I'm at UTA?

YES! Many scholarship possibilities are constantly available. Once again, stop by the percussion bulletin board each day to see the latest annoucements including information on $. Information will also be sent by email once we establish the semester "percussion spam list." University scholarships are for leadership and performance in ensembles. Once you are here you are being evaluated "daily" by your actions, your ensemble participation, and your daily skill improvement through practice.

Additionally community scholarships are available each spring. These scholarships are funds granted by support of local music groups and fraternal organizations. Watch for annoucements, sign up, and perform for a panel of adjudicators. Percussionists traditionally have regularly received such scholarships when they audition.

Also there are departmental and university "work" style scholarships available such as percussion equipment management, music librarian, stage assistant, etc. information on these are available from the main music office (first floor,) or through the university.

Finally myriad scholarships are available through national organizations and companies. the Percussive Arts Society, Yamaha music, etc offer music scholarships each semester. The way to receive one of these is to apply, follow the directions, and usually perform/record and submit something.

HOW MUCH scholarships are possible completely depends on how YOU present yourself, pro-actively apply for them, and most importantly IMPROVE AS A PERFORMER/LEADER.

Is it possible to get hired to teach a drumline/ private lessons or play off campus while at UTA?

Can I have a job and still go to school?

Definitely yes! The Dallas/Fort Worth/"Midcities" area around Arlington contain approximately 350 high schools who hire private lesson teachers and drumline teachers. Many of our older students teach in the evenings/late afternoons to make extra money and to gain valuable teaching experience. The orchestral classical music scene and the "pop" music live scene are extremely active. As you get acquainted with the area and other percussion students you will gain knowledge about these myriad opportunities. Each school district has its own policies/requirements for employment. The more you perform and improve your skill on campus, the more the surrounding community will be aware of your desirabilty as a performer teacher and "opportunities" will find YOU.

HOWEVER...

you must keep in mind, especially the first year, that YOUR PRIMARY ROLE IS A STUDENT and keep a solid course toward a good GPA (grade point average) and GRADUATION. Your percussion professors DO NOT encourage you to take outside employment/teaching jobs/ playing gigs, the first year you are in residence on campus because you need to focus on your studies, daily improvement, and maintaining good grades. It is not productive for you to accept teaching jobs and then not improve your own musical skill level. As you get comfortable with the discipline of daily improvement, course load, ensemble committments etc. THEN take advantage of the great teaching/playing opportunities this area has to offer.

Can I do drumcorp/winterline while in college?

Again, yes.... Music students from UTArlington take part in Drum and bugle corp during the summer or "winterlines" during the spring. UTArlington does not maintain a competitive winter drumline because of the large amount of other professional music activities found on campus. Drum corp websites will give you information on their particular programs and auditions. Auditions often take place in November with weekend campus once a month starting in January. Travel to these camps can be expensive and time-consuming affecting your classes and study.Winterlines are more local but also rehearse more weekend hours in January through April.

As stated above, while these activities are exciting, you must keep in mind, especially the first year, that YOUR PRIMARY ROLE IS A STUDENT and keep a solid course toward a good GPA (grade point average) and GRADUATION. Your percussion professors DO NOT encourage you to undertake outside performances obligations until until you are very well acclimated with the demands of your campus obligations and future musical career. You need to focus on your studies, daily improvement, and maintaining good grades. If you decide to participate in these activities confer with your parents and your professors to be very sure about the time committment, and financial obligations these activities require. Music at UTArlington (and most universities) is a FULL TIME JOB and your future career needs to be your first consideration

How many hours should I take each semester?

there is no easy answer to this question so we will point out some thoughts to consider. credit hours for courses are derived from the number of "contact" hours the course meets. a Three credit hour course will meet at least 3 hours of class time a week often with an additional "lab" participation hour. Ensembles, due to the nature of their course work and preparation are organized on a different credit production mode usually being one hour credit for each ensemble. Each student at a university is required to complete
"core" or basic competency courses, and degree specific courses. Core courses are similar to those basics you studied in high school such as english, math, political science. These are usually 3 hour courses and can be taken anytime during your residency or even in the summer. Often these courses offer multiple "sections" (meeting times) allowing you great flexibility in your scheduling around your "major" courses. Your music "major " courses include music theory, music history, Sight-singing/ear training, applied lessons, and ensembles. In general terms; you gain musical knowledge in theory, history etc, you develop your specific skills in applied lessons, and you combine these accomplishments by performing in ensembles. Ensembles are not optional and are an important part of study, taking the "book learning" you do in class and turning it into specific musical accomplishment. In simple terms this means you learn the "theory" of how to do things in classes and actually "do" them in ensembles.

how many hours a student takes each semester then is a combination of the facts mentioned above balanced with where the student is academically, whether they have to work, whether they live on or off campus, how their financial arrangements work, whether they take summer classes, and many more things.

Generally 12 credit hours are considered a full time "load." The more hours you attempt the harder you will have to study to accomplish a good GPA. The less hours you attempt will make your study job easier BUT also take you longer to graduate. (see information below on graduating in 4 years).

Your first semester will help you determine what credit load is right for you. Our music advisor will be an invaluable resource in helping you determing whether you are "on track." Your professor mentors will give you weekly feedback both positive and critical as to whether your efforts will achieve the successful career outcome you want! Each semester you will get better at the scheduling challenge!

here then are some general music guidelines to consider in addition to the above suggestions:

• academic core courses have lots of flexibility due to them having multiple sections.... although they would seem the first to plan... save them till last in determining your semester and fit them in AS TIME PERMITS around the essential music courses for your degree.
• remember that academic classes can be taken in the summer sessions (2 sessions and 2 "mini-mesters each year). Most music courses WILL NOT be offered in the summer.
• your applied lessons and ensemble participation should be foremost in your mind because that is where you improve and challenge your skills most. Each semester take as many ensembles as possible and audition with the goal of being in the top ensembles. THE BEST LEARNING AND MUSICAL EXPERIENCES WILL BE GAINED IN THE TOP ENSEMBLES WHERE YOU WILL BE PAIRED WITH THE MOST PROFICIENT PLAYERS.
• generally music classes meet in the mornings (often either a MWF or a Tues/thursday combination) Ensembles usually meet in the afternoons daily.
• while work and teaching or performing outside the university is important YOUR FIRST GOAL SHOULD BE PERSONAL SKILL IMPROVEMENT ON CAMPUS WITH FOCUS TOWARD GRADUATION. Plan all other social/professional/recreational activities around this.
• some courses are harder than others... ask other percussionists and then plan a schedule that includes huge challenges as well as some smaller challenges. TRY NOT TO TAKE ALL THE HARD COURSES AT THE SAME TIME!
• be careful to stay on track with music classes, and notice many have "pre-requisite classes you must pass before registering). SOME MUSIC CLASSES ONLY MEET FALL OR ONLY SPRING. (theory I is in the fall, theory II is in the spring... you can not take II until you pass I) If you try to delay one of these courses it could delay your graduation A YEAR, waiting till you get back on the normal schedule of class rotation

Will I graduate in 4 years?

again, this is a question that is more difficult to answer than you might think. the mathematic answer is YES. take the number of hours required by your degree (found at the total on your degree plan) and divide by 8 semesters (4 years).

THAT then is the number of credits you must successfully pass each semester.

there are two major things to consider however. First, ARE YOU as a unique individual, READY AND ABLE to attempt SUCCESSFULLY that number of credits each semester? A positive GPA is infinitely more important than a date on the calendar. IF you graduate in 4 years but with a GPA of C your career choices will be severly affected. WITH HELP FROM YOUR ADVISOR/MENTORS TAKE THE NUMBER OF HOURS YOU CAN SUCCESSFULLY MAINTAIN A HIGH GPA WITH.

secondly, an even more difficult consideration: IS IT REALLY GOOD FOR ME TO GRADUATE IN FOUR YEARS? It is hard for many young people to understand (and sometimes parents also) but you are beginning a LIBERAL ARTS degree. This is an enrichment degree where you are developing a product.... AND THE PRODUCT IS YOU! The unique courses, ensembles, social experiences, playing opportunities, you do during your residency here make you a UNIQUE and attractive candidate for your future career. REMEMBER everyone takes the same basics for graduation: in the field of music your future employer will look at what YOU will bring new and enriching to them... and that is the "sum" of all your "extra" experiences... classes beyond the minimum, that extra unique composition course, ensembles, and many more.

still another thing to determine this is: do I have to work to stay in school? be very careful in this. it is easy to logic that "im only taking a full load of 12 hours... thats only 12 hours a week.... therefore I can also work a fulltime job with no problem!" 12 hours is called a full load simply because IT IS! the minimal time you set in class or ensemble doesnt recognize the homework time, the performing time, the preparation time, trips to the library, reading assignments, viewing assignments, and myriad others. It is a tricky balancing act to work and to also go to school. THE COLD FACT IS THAT IF you have to work or chose to... then your grades and school experience will suffer. College and liberal arts are about more than just sitting in class. Taking a job will force you to take less credit hours each semester and thus mathematically take LONGER to graduate mathematically costing you MORE.

To be clear: your mentors and advisors want you to successfully graduate in the most EFFICIENT time possible and get a great job in your new career. Hopefully that is 4 year, however every person has different skill levels and development abilities. Your mentors want you to understand that your intense study at the university IS YOUR FULL TIME JOB and sacrifices now will pay dividends as you get a great job in your chosen career.

What do I need to wear,own for concert attire?

Concert performances are formal occassions and require certain style attire. Groups such as the marching band of course supply you with uniforms etc. Other performance groups on campus and indeed, in your career, will require other attire you should attain and have available.

From simplest to most complex start by owning a suit/dress shirt/ and tie... something you might wear to church or a formal family ceremony. This is the traditional attire for solo recital/juries/ on-stage performances.

Next step is ensemble wear: begin with dress black: dress black shoes, black socks, dress black pants. Performance attire is NOT the time to search for new ways to express your individuality! These are the "uniform" of an ensemble performer and you want to choose clothes that will fit the most wide variety of performing environments. The African ensemble, for example, uses black pants under the traditional "dashiki" (visit the Africa website and view the picture!) Percussion ensemble does also as well as some of the concert bands. shirts should either be conservative white/off-white with tie or in the case of percussion ensemble a black formal T-shirt, short sleeves, no pocket, no designs or logos.

As your career widens and you become part of the "wind Ensemble, Orchestra, regional symphony orchestras, you will need to acquire a tuxedo. Often times these can be purchased at great savings at men's stores who rent wedding tuxes. check into their stock of "used" tuxedos that are still very new. Again, for your initial investment this is not a time to express your creativity. Purchase attire that will conservatively fit the MOST different career/musical situations and not over-stretch your budget.

Females: Similar items such as a black skirt or appropriate blouse should be acquired. Often times female percussionists choose to wear slacks because of the amount of equipment moving transport that takes place. Choose attire you feel appropriately conservative and allow you to comfortably focus on your performance.

What other items do I need to own?

As mentioned earlier college is a time to acquire items that will be used throughout your career. Although you will be tempted to "borrow" items or purchase "cheaper" items, remember that the items you need COULD last you your entire career, and thus try to purchase the best quality item you can afford. See the FAPQ above regarding the PDF of items to acqure to facilitate your practice and performance. Such simple items as a black towel, or 3-ring notebook are part of your everyday study skills and will be invaluable in helping you be organized and professional as possible in your career.

Additionally, purchase the percussion and music text books you need and KEEP them! Sometimes college students SELL their text books to used book stores after the semester is over to save money. This is possible for english or math courses but... the music books you own will be repeatedly used by you AND your future students..... keep them clean, nice and in a safe place. Try not to lend them to friends or borrow them. You will want to write notes, stickings, suggestions in the books for your later study and if it is someone elses book then you will loose these.

Remember to put your name in your books in ink.... most all percussion students will own exactly the SAME books and it is hard to tell who's is who's!

finally there are these two separate fees you must budget for each semester while in residence at UTArlington percussion:

PAS membership

The Percussive Arts Society is an international professional organization of students/performers and educators that has been in existence for over 50 years. They hold state conventions, national conventions, have a very popular website, and issue a nationally recognized magazine every month. This is a very important resource for you as you develop your career. Your percussion professors feel it is so important a resource that we require you to join the organization each year. Yearly dues for students are as low as $25.00 a year. Their magazine and website will be a place you visit almost daily to complete the assignments given by your applied professors. To join visit www.pas.org and follow the instructions. You will be asked to show a membership card at times during the semester.

Instrument usage fee

Although you will be acquiring your own sticks,books, cymbals, drumthrones, dvds, etc obviously everyone won't own your own TIMPANI! The university supplies the large items you need for your performance in ensembles and more importantly your own private practice for skill improvement. Each music student is required to pay an "instrument useage fee." this is a once-a-semester $25.00 fee paid at the Bursars office in Davis hall. (go there and tell them you are paying a music department instrument usage fee... they will take your money and give you a receipt.) possibly you can pay this along with your tuition as a group package... inquire.

Keep the receipt and a copy... you will be asked to show it at your applied lesson and also for certain other classes.

Other instrumentalists own their own violin, trumpet, trombone, so it is especially important for percussionists to pay this fee since you are using 100% of university owned instruments. This fee also allows you access to the percussion practice rooms, piano practice rooms, locker, use of music stands, etc.

How do I get a locker?

You should get a locker as soon as possible to keep your texts, instruments, mallets, etc. in. DUE TO THE BUILDINGS SIZE A LIMITED NUMBER OF LOCKERS ARE AVAILABLE. large lockers are available down around the percussion practice room area. Generally lockers will have a "sign-up" sheet on them.... pick an available locker that you like (location,location, location), fill out the sheet and take it to the main office downstairs.

KEEP ALL YOUR PERSONAL POSSESSIONS IN YOUR LOCKER! Although our practice rooms are secure we can not garantee the security of your items if you leave them in a practice room. Most of these items are EXPENSIVE and you dont want to have to replace them!

What is the percussion forum and when is it?

In applied lessons there are many subjects that can be taught in a group "class" setting, such as: how to play the tambourine, latin-percussion skills, practice strategies, etc. To make sure your valuable 50 minute applied lesson time is focussing on YOUR individual needs we have set a "group" class held once a week that is devoted to professional skills. "Percussion Forum" is held every monday from 12:00-12:50. This noon hours is an "enrichment" hour across campus and you should have NO other classes that conflict. RESERVE THIS NOON HOUR for percussion and do not schedule any other classes at that time monday. It is part of your applied lesson grade so you do not need to sign up for a separate course. During the course of the semester you will hear lectures by professors, visits by nationally recognized artists, your fellow students perform, recordings, videos, demonstrations, and many many more things to develop your career.

What are juries?

"Juries" are the music name for "final exams" in Applied music courses. All Music Majors take these performance tests administered at the end of the semester during exam week. For percussionists this means performing usually two soli that represent the gains you have made in musicianship during the semester. Two because it is normal to focus on two of the primary percussion instrument areas each semester (snare, timpani, drumset, mallets, multiple percussion, handdrums). The Juries are performed on-stage in Irons Recital hall and are judged by the percussion faculty and other music faculty members. Students, with the help of their professor, choose soli around the middle of the semester and work perfecting them. basically picture "juries" as "State level solo and ensemble contest." You receive a grade for each of the soli which is then factored in to your final overall semester grade. During juries you are evaluated not only on your skills but also on your musicality and your presentation meaning that "juries" are a good representation of auditions and performances you will do during your career.

What are proficiencies?

How do I know what classes to take?

Registering and choosing classes is something you will do every semester for the next few years. The first time around it can be frustrating and confusing. UTArlington music has a set system to make this as painless and simple for you as possible.

your primary resource is your Degree plan and course guide that you receive. Keep it and read it carefully because it will list EVERY course you are required to take to achieve the degree you have chosen. Your daily class load will include academic "core" courses which every college student must take, Music Major courses such as Music Theory, Music History, Ear training, etc, applied lessons and ensembles. A certain amount of ensembles are required on your degree plan and you are additionally encouraged to take as many performing ensemble groups in your load as possible. How you develop as a professional and how "hire-able" you are totally depends on the variety and quality of courses you take beyond the basics that every person must take. ENSEMBLES ARE NOT RECREATION OR "EXTRA-CURRICULAR" ACTIVTIES. They are the places that you hone your music and "people" skills and the groups that DEFINE you as a professional!

Specific advice will come from a very important person you need to stay in close work with. Linda McQuaid is our Music advisor . You are required to schedule an appointment with her before each semester to get advice/guidance on what courses you need to take next. After she gives you advice then you can register for those courses. Many courses in music have restriction codes (such as applied lessons) and those numbers are gotten from Ms. McQuaid. You may register for as many or as few courses as you wish each semester in residence. However remember the final number of credit hours you must achieve to graduate. If you sign up for less courses each semester your "load" will be easier but it will take longer to graduate. If you sign up for MORE courses each semester your "load" will be fuller, meaning you must study more hours, and take less outside work, etc. to maintain a great GPA. Your Grade Point Average is very important as your future employers will look carefully at it to determine whether to hire you or not.

As stated, your first semester will be your most difficult... as you register and are advised each semester it will get easier!

What will I study each semester?

Can I study whatever instrument I want or focus on just one ?

To be a total professional on percussion you must achieve fluency on a variety of percussion instruments and a high degree of skill on some particular ones. As you recall from state contest you were expected to do etudes on Snare, Keyboard, and Timpani and the professional world of your new career is much the same. you will be expected to be capable on Snare drum (both concert and marching), Keyboard (both 2 mallet and 4 mallet), drumset (in the most common "grooves" or styles of music), Timpani, and world/hand percussion. Each person begins the program at a different level of experience. At the end of the sophomore year and at the end of the senior year you are assessed as to your fluency on the percusion instruments. From your first applied lesson your professor/mentor will be counseling you on improving on all of these instruments. Because it is a difficult balancing act at first to keep ALL the instruments improving, usually we concentrate on 2 primary instrument areas each semester.

There are set "competency" levels that demonstrate you have achieved fluency on each instrument area. Once you have accomplished them you are free to request concentrated study on a particular area such as drumset, or marimba. Records are kept each semester about your progress toward these set levels and speed of accomplishing them depends much on what skill level you enter at, and how intensely you practice to improve. Your goal should be to become "fluent" on all the instruments as soon as possible so that you can really FOCUS on your particular favorite.

Where do I find information on applied percussion lessons?

There are many ways to find information on your applied lessons. First is, as mentioned, consulting the percussion bulletin boards found outside room 223, 226 etc. Secondly, information is given out in the percussion "forum" class each monday at noon that is pertinent to all percussion majors. Third, and most comprehensive, is the percussion "syllabus." Each university course is required to give you a "syllabus" or "contract" at the beginning of the semester outlining what procedures are part of the course/grading principles/ attendance and many other things. The UTArlington percussion syllabus is emailed to you at the beginning of the semester when you give your email address for our "spam" list. Print it out, read it carefully, and keep a copy in your percussion 3-ring notebook at all lessons, percussion classes etc. It will contain ALL the information regarding your experience here in percussion. Two additional sources of information are your fellow students and professors. The other percussion majors, who you will get to know very well, have been through the same experiences you are having and can give you advice/guidance. Your percusson professors are here on campus every day for you also. email them to make an appointment, or, stop by their office during scheduled office hours (posted outside their offices). We are here to assist your weekly musical improvement and career!

What will I do when I graduate.... will I have a job?

It is normal to worry about what will happen when you graduate! In High school you played in bands and did music as an extra activity but in college you start to focus on music as a career. Many young people (and many parents) see music as a wonderful hobby or recreation....

BUT....

it is very possible to have a great career based solely on music and music making. At UTA you will be classified as a music major but there will be additional classifications "within" the title of music such as MUSED, MUSPERF, MUSBUS, MUSMEDIA, MUSCOMP, etc. Here is basic information on these.
while it will seem confusing .... in your first year at UTA you will be taking courses that will go toward ALL the separate music degree plans. YOU DONT HAVE TO BE 100% SURE ABOUT YOUR FINAL DESTINATION! As you become more acquainted you will settle on which path is best for you.

MUSED: music education is a music degree that will lead to a legal certification to teach in the public schools at almost any level in the United States. This can be anything from elementary education to University teaching. Most percussion majors are focussed on either high school band or junior high band directing. Most schools in Texas have more than one band director often one focussing on just percussion education. Education is an extremely stable career (especially in this time of recession). Virtually no one gets "laid off" from work in the education field. Band directing can be very rewarding teaching the passion of music to young people. This includes teaching private lessons, directing your own band or percussion ensemble, and teaching your own marching drumline.

MUSPERF: music performance

MUSJAZZ: music jazz studies

MUSBUS: music business

MUSMEDIA: music media

MUSCOMP: music composition (theory/composition)