South Suburban College

Department of Music

Student Handbook

Click here to download a printable form of the Music Department Handbook

Full Time Faculty and Staff Email and Phone Numbers

Andrew Hoefle - Department Chair/Band Director 708-596-2000 ext 2299

Albert Jackson - Choral Activities 708-596-2000 ext 2349

Godwin Chou - Theory/Composition/Piano 708-596-2000 ext 2296

Joyce Sluis - Secretary/General Information 708-596-2000 ext 2316

 

Department Personnel

Click here for a list of current faculty

 

Introduction and History 

Mission

The mission of the South Suburban College Music Department is to offer educational and service programs in music for the Chicago south suburban community it serves.

South Suburban College and the SSC Music department are governed by the college administration, faculty contract, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Articulation Initiative, Illinois Community College Board, North Central Association and the National Association of Schools of Music.

 

Milestones

South Suburban College is one of the oldest Community Colleges in the nation and will be celebrating its 75th anniversary beginning in the spring semester of 2002.

The music department at South Suburban College is one of twenty-six community colleges in the United States that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. 

Music Programs

Associate of Fine Arts Degree Program

This program provides college level music curricula and classes equivalent to those found in the first two years of baccalaureate music programs at four-year colleges, universities and music conservatories. After satisfactorily completing degree requirements for the AFA in Music, the student will be able to successfully transfer to a four-year institution to complete a baccalaureate degree in music.

 

The Music - Preparatory Programs provide area adults and children with music classes, workshops, private lessons and performance experiences that provide lifelong opportunities for musical growth and enjoyment.

 

The College Music Preparatory Program provides intensive training for high school students considering majoring in music in college.  Classes and applied lessons in this program are designed to prepare the student for successful entrance into a college level music curriculum. Emphasis is on performance and musicianship skills. After achieving specific levels of performance and musicianship the preparatory student will be able to demonstrate acceptable proficiency in music performance and music reading to enter a college level music curriculum.

Performance opportunities, classes and private music lessons are also offered to area elementary and high school students who are not striving to become professional musicians. These activities are intended to expand and enhance elementary and high school music programs or provide musical opportunities for students who are unable to participate in other pre-college programs. After participating in ensembles, classes or lessons, the pre-college student will be able to demonstrate increased performance skills.

 

The Continuing Education Program offers music classes, workshops, ensembles and private lessons for adults who wish to expand or enhance their musical opportunities. After participating in ensembles or taking private or class instruction, the adult student will have a greater under-standing and mastery of basic music skills. The program is centered on providing adults lifelong performance opportunities which enrich musical experiences as a performer.

 

The Music Community Service Program presents a broad spectrum of musical performances and activities designed to contribute to, enliven and enrich the cultural atmosphere of the south suburban community.  The quality of life in a community is often measured by the community's cultural and artistic offerings. It is the goal of the music community service program to provide musical events that contribute to an improved quality of life in the south suburban community. Community residents will be offered opportunities to be exposed to new and traditional musical literature, performed by local, regional and nationally recognized performers and musical organizations, providing increased awareness of various aspects of musical performance, styles and cultures.

Procedures

Building and Facilities

Building Use


Smoking is permitted in specially marked areas and private offices only. Consumption of food or beverages is not permitted in the practice rooms, performing arts center, listening library, computer lab, classrooms, or rehearsal halls.


Practice Facilities

Practice rooms are available in during regular college operating hours.  To use a practice room go to the Music Department Office and ask for a practice room card.  Then proceed to the office of Campus Police, show them the card and they will open a practice room for you.

 
School Instrument Use

A limited number of wind and string instruments for use in college ensembles and classes is available. If you are in need of an instrument see the instrumental music director for more information.  Instruments are loaned on an as needed basis. Students assume full responsibility for care and security of the instruments.

 

Computer Lab and Listening Library

The department’s computer lab (room 1232) are open during the academic year. A schedule of open hours will be posted at the beginning of each semester. Open hours will depend on room and student worker availability.

 

The listening library holds the college complete audio collection as well as department scores. In addition computers with word-processing software are usually available in the library for student use.   If you have more questions contact Godwin Chou at extension 2296.

Lockers

There is limited locker space available for music students.  These lockers are located in room 1137.  For more information contact Andrew Hoefle in office 1135, via phone at extension 2299 or by email at Andrew Hoefle

Student Recital Scheduling

Student recitals occur twice a semester.  The first is at or around the mid-term examination time and the second is prior to the final exam week.  The applied faculty and/or course requirements determine participation in the recitals.  The department provides accompanists for the recital but the student pays for rehearsal time.  STUDENTS MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE THIRTY MINUTE REHEARSAL PRIOR TO THE RECITAL.  For more information contact the department chair.

 

Academic Policies

Admission to the SSC Music Department as a Music Major

College Level Music Major

Admission is open to any student striving for a professional career in music. Generally, a student needs previous high school performance experience and minimum music reading skills. Students lacking technical or performance skills will be placed in applied performance level 1.0 or 2.0 and assigned to preparatory level music classes and applied music lessons until a minimum level is achieved.

Admission to the college level music major program requires the following:

1. Admission to South Suburban College

Admission to SSC as a college level student is accomplished through the Office of Admissions and Records. This usually requires the student to make an appointment with an admissions counselor, filling out an application for admission and requesting high school transcripts sent to SSC.

2. Consultation with a music advisor or the department chair

It is important to consult with a music advisor before registering for classes. This assists the student in proper selection of courses, course sequences and level placement. 

3. Placement test in music theory

The placement test in music theory determines the student's course placement at the start of the music theory sequence. A passing score is required for placement in Music 101 - Music Theory I. Students who do not achieve a passing level will be placed in Music 100 to prepare for Music 101. The student is advised to review the following music theory materials:

·        Identification of pitches in Treble and bass clefs

·        Rhythmic note and rest values

·        Meter (time) signatures

·        Keyboard whole and half steps

·        Major and minor key signatures

·        Major and minor scales including parallel and relative relationships

·        Triads and seventh chords

·        Intervals

·        Transposition

·        Sight Singing and melodic dictation

4. Consultation with a faculty member for piano level placement

Keyboard proficiency including sight-reading, harmonization and transposition is required of all music majors. Students with no previous piano experience will be placed in Music 171 - Class Piano for music majors. Students with previous piano experience may elect to substitute minor private applied lessons (Music 151) for class piano. Piano and organ majors will demonstrate keyboard proficiency as part of their applied major requirements and must select class voice or other minor level instrument.

5. A performance placement audition before the music faculty

The student should prepare one or two examples of his performance ability to present before the music faculty. In addition the student will be required to sight read a musical example provided by the music faculty. This audition will determine the entry level of the student in the applied music program. Students may be placed at any appropriate level. If the level is below the minimum average entering level for college music majors, minor applied or continuing education lessons will be required until an applied music faculty member recommends registration in a major applied music course.

Preparatory or Continuing Education

Admission to the preparatory or continuing education programs is open to any person. However, certain minimum age, school grade level or technical and performance skill levels are required for specific instruments or ensembles.

 

Minimum Technical and Performance Skills:

·        Private Applied Piano: Class piano or one year of private study

·        Private Applied Organ: Piano study

·        Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles: Music reading ability and ensemble performance experience

Performance Ensembles

Ensemble Audition Requirements

t                Contact the ensemble director to arrange for specifics and to arrange an audition time.

Student Advising
All music majors must meet with a full-time faculty member to review and assist in the preparation of their schedules and for assignment of private teachers.

Ensemble Requirements
Students are required to participate in at least one ensemble each semester while they are taking 12 hours or more.  A minimum of 4 semesters of ensembles is required for graduation.

Honor Recitals
During the fourth semester of major applied lessons a student may petition to perform in an Honors recital.  The student must be a full-time music major and who has successfully completed, or is in the process of completing, the fourth semester for music theory.  This recital is not a requirement and will be given only upon an applied music instructor's recommendation. 

By the tenth week of the Spring semester,  a date will be set for the honors recital.  All repertoire must be ready for performance at this time.  The music faculty will audition all candidates and the programs will be arranged based on recommendations by the faculty.

Students participating in the Honors Recital are not required to participate in the semester jury.  Those students that are required to perform scales must perform them during the appropriate jury.

Piano Proficiency Requirement

The Sophomore Proficiency Exam is to be taken by all piano students (private and group) majoring in music at the end of their fourth semester of piano.  It will be performed at the piano juries and will be heard by the piano faculty.  The grade for this exam will be averaged in with the fourth semester piano grade.

 

The exam consists of:

 

t                All major and minor scales (harmonic and melodic). All tonic and dominant Seventh arpeggios.  See the Music 251 (second semester) requirements for the exact form.

t                A patriotic song - either America or the Star Spangled Banner.

t                Harmonization of a prepared melody using primary triads and illustrating aparticular accompaniment pattern, such as waltz bass, jump bass, etc.

t                Transposition of a prepared piece, up and down a whole step.

t                One solo piece.

t               Sight-reading.  The minimum level of sight reading is Bartok, Mikrokosmos, Volume II.

 

Individual Private Lessons, Practice, Juries and Recitals

Selection of Private Teachers

Placement of students will be based on teacher availability and student request.  Teachers have right of first refusal based on their individual load.

Content of Lessons

The private instructors shall select the literature chosen for each student based upon needs in their musical development (e.g. tone, technique, interpretation etc.). 

Practice

Students studying privately should allot a minimum of 45 minutes per day (outside of class) to work on the assigned literature.

Jury Examinations

Juries are held at the end of each Fall and Spring semesters (major and minor) and for minors in the summer (Major participation is not available during the summer).

 

Instrumental Majors Jury/Recital Requirements

 

t                These are minimum requirements.  Private teachers should notify the instrumental jury in writing of any extended requirements.  Articulations are at the discretion of the teacher.

First Semester

Scales

t                All Major Scales in eighth notes (quarter = 90) one octave

t                Chromatic Scale – 1 octave in eighth notes (quarter = 90)

Arpeggios

t                All Major Tonic Arpeggios in eighth notes (quarter = 90) one octave

Literature – Prepare three selections or Etudes – two of which will be selected by the jury

Recital Participation – Required

Second Semester

Scales

t                All Major Scales in eighth notes (quarter = 100) two octaves where possible

t                All Pure/natural Minor Scales in eight notes (quarter = 90) One Octave

t                Chromatic Scale – 1 octave in eighth notes (quarter = 100)

Arpeggios

t                All Major Tonic Arpeggios in eighth notes (quarter = 100) one octave

t                All Minor Tonic Arpeggios in eighth notes (quarter = 90) one octave

Literature – Prepare three selections or Etudes of progressive difficulty – two of which will be selected by the jury

Recital Participation – Required

Third Semester

Scales

t                All Major Scales in eighth notes (quarter =110) two octaves

t                All Pure (natural) minor scales in eighth notes (quarter = 100) two octaves

t                All Harmonic Scales in eight notes (quarter = 90) One Octave

t                Chromatic scale – 2 octaves in eighth notes (quarter = 110)

Arpeggios

t                All Major Tonic Arpeggios in eighth notes (quarter = 110) one octave

t                All Minor Tonic Arpeggios in eighth notes (quarter = 100) one octave

Literature – Prepare three selections or Etudes of progressive difficulty – two of which will be selected by the jury

Recital Participation – Required

Fourth Semester

Scales:

t                All Major Scales in eighth notes (quarter = 120) two octaves

t                All Pure (natural) minor scales in eighth notes (quarter = 110) two octaves

t                All harmonic minor scales in eighth notes (quarter = 100) two octaves

t                All Melodic Minor Scales in eight notes (quarter = 90) two octaves

t                Chromatic scale – 2 octaves in eighth notes (quarter = 120)

Arpeggios

t                All Major Tonic Arpeggios in eighth notes (quarter = 120) one octave

t                All Minor Tonic Arpeggios in eighth notes (quarter = 120) one octave

Literature – Prepare three selections or Etudes of progressive difficulty – two of which will be selected by the jury

Recital Participation – Required

 

Voice Majors Jury/Recital Requirements

 

t                These are minimum requirements.  Private teachers should notify the instrumental jury in writing of any extended requirements.  Literature as assigned by the instructor.

First Semester

 

Literature

Two songs from memory of contrasting character.  Both may be in English or one may be in a foreign language.  A minimum of four songs should be learned each semester.  Songs from musicals may be substituted or one of the songs, but preferably not used in the jury. 

 

Recital Participation – Required

Second Semester