Music at Carroll College

Music

Details

Carroll College proudly offers a new music minor, boasting three unique concentrations in practical pursuits. To prepare students for employment after their academic careers, the Music and Theatre Departments have partnered with local, professional institutions. While studying with our dedicated faculty, students will have access to the best vocational training in Helena, where they may apply their craft and encounter trends in market expectations.

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About the Program

Our Purpose
Our goal is to give students a greater appreciation for music as an art form and a vehicle for self-expression. We provide quality instruction to challenge and enrich all students through music studies. We do this through three different concentrations of our program: Applied Music, Sacred Music, and Musical Theatre.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students will: 1) broaden their range of interest in and understanding of music; 2) achieve growth in musical skills and knowledge; 3) have experiences in music that enhance creativity, and; 4) gain exposure to a variety of aesthetics, approaches, and concepts in music that will enhance appreciation of music as an art form.

Three Tracks of the Music Minor

There are three different concentrations (branches or tracks) to receive a Music Minor at Carroll College. Expand each below to see the requirements.

The Applied Music branch of the Music Minor is a curriculum with an entrepreneurial emphasis that focuses on preparing the performing musician for a competitive market after academia. While developing musicianship on their chosen instrument, students will participate in performance opportunities, and receive practical instruction in audition techniques, self-marketing, resume and repertoire building, and changes in the music industry determined relevant by instructors.

Completion of the Applied Music Minor requires:

  • MUS 109 Keyboard Musicianship I (3 cr)
  • MUS 118 Music Theory (3 cr)
  • MUS 119 Sight Singing and Aural Skills (3 cr)
  • MUS 261 Music History (3 cr)
  • MUS 475 Applied Music (4 semesters, 4 cr)

and three ensemble courses, choosing from

  • MUS 129/130 Carroll College Choir (1 cr)
  • MUS 131/132 Pep Band (1 cr)
  • MUS 199 Music Practicum 1-2 Cr
  • MUS 229/230 Chamber Choir (1 cr)
  • MUS 238/239 Instrumental Ensemble (1 cr)

And 6 credits of music electives. These can include the sacred music offerings or the musical theatre offerings. 

The Sacred Music branch of the Music Minor is a curriculum with a vocational emphasis that focuses on training musicians to become leaders in a music ministry. Students will study piano, organ, or voice and will participate in practical training through a one-year internship at the Cathedral of St. Helena or a local ministry. Students who choose a placement in a local church must submit its program for approval. Students in this concentration will develop artistry in interpretation and receive practical insight on leading a church music program. While the program is ecumenical, it has a strong Roman Catholic core.

Completion of the Sacred Music Minor requires:

  • MUS 109 Keyboard Musicianship I (3 cr)
  • MUS 118 Music Theory (3 cr)
  • MUS 119 Sight Singing and Aural Skills (3 cr)
  • MUS 261 Music History (3 cr)
  • MUS 475 Applied Music (4 semesters, 4 cr)

Additional courses:

  • MUS 250 Development of Sacred Music in the West (3 cr)
  • MUS 252 Practical Application of Sacred Music in the Modern Church (3 cr)
  • TH 201: Church and Worship
  • MUS 425 Internship - singing or playing with the Cathedral Music Ministry for one year or with any approved Music Ministry in Helena. (2 cr)

At least one Carroll Performance Elective (1 cr):

  • MUS 129/130 Carroll College Choir (1 cr)
  • MUS 131/132 Pep Band (1 cr)
  • MUS 199 Music Practicum 1-2 Cr
  • MUS 229/230 Chamber Choir (1 cr)
  • MUS 238/239 Instrumental Ensemble (1 cr)

The Musical Theatre branch of the Music Minor is a curriculum with an entrepreneurial emphasis that focuses on preparing the singing-actor for a competitive market after academia. While developing their stagecraft and musicianship, students will participate in musical productions, and receive practical instruction in audition techniques, self-marketing, resume and repertoire building, and changes in the musical theatre industry determined relevant by instructors.

Completion of the Musical Theatre Minor requires:

  • MUS 109 Keyboard Musicianship I (3 cr)
  • MUS 118 Music Theory (3 cr)
  • MUS 119 Sight Singing and Aural Skills (3 cr)
  • MUS 261 Music History (3 cr)
  • MUS 475 Applied Music (4 semesters, 4 cr)

Additional courses:

  • THT 209 Intro to Musical Theatre (3 cr)
  • THT 312 Musical Theatre Performance (3 cr)
  • Either THT 130 Dance I or THT 131 Dance II (1 cr)
  • Must participate in at least 2 Musicals THT 110 (2 cr)
Choir Singing

For All Students

Music courses are open to all Carroll College students and may fulfill elective and liberal arts requirements. College ensembles are open to all students, while premier ensembles are auditioned annually. Scholarships are available for both tiers of commitment.

Music classes are held in the lower level of Guadalupe Hall. The music classroom includes a lecture area and piano lab that is equipped with digital and MIDI capabilities. Two practice rooms are available to students in the lower level, which reside next to the studios of the instructors. This proximity grants music students easy access to instructors for additional aid if necessary. 
 

Pit Orchestra for Seussical: The Musical
The pit orchestra for Carroll College Theatre's recent producation of Seussical: The Musical.

Facilities

Musical Theatre Classes

Musical Theatre classes are held in the Flex Theatre and adjoining classroom, located in the lower level of the Campus Center. The classroom has a piano and projectors.

Theatre Classroom

Music Classes

Music classes are held in the lower level of Guadalupe Hall. The music classroom includes a lecture area and piano lab that is equipped with digital and MIDI capabilities. Two practice rooms are available to students in the lower level, which reside next to the studios of the instructors. This proximity grants music students easy access to instructors for additional aid if necessary. 

Choir Singing

Choirs

Carroll offers several options of choirs in which students can participate. Drop down each option below to find out more in addition to scholarship opportunities. If you have questions about our choirs, please contact Choir Director Dr. Michael Gray, Choir Director.

The Chamber Choir (MUSC 229/230) is the premier mixed-voice ensemble of Carroll College. The choir is an auditioned group and scholarships are provided to every participant. Auditions take place annually and are announced through Carroll College’s various media platforms. The Chamber Choir maintains a rigorous schedule throughout the academic year. Often performing at the Cathedral of St. Helena, the Montana State Capitol, and with professional orchestras, such as the Helena Symphony, this ensemble conspicuously represents Carroll College’s musicianship to the public. 

The Carroll College Choir (MUSC 129/130) is the general mixed-voice ensemble of Carroll College. The choir is open to all interested students. Each semester, the choir performs a major concert, in addition to occasionally providing anthems and service music for Mass at the Cathedral of St. Helena and the All Saints' Chapel on Carroll's campus.  Furthermore, the choir performs at campus functions when applicable. A limited number of choral scholarships are available to students enrolled in this choir.

The Liturgical Choir is a student-led group of singers and instrumentalists who provide service music for the weekly Sunday evening Masses on campus. Rehearsals are typically one night a week. Interested students may contact Campus Ministry to join the liturgical choir on campus.

A limited number of Choral Scholarships are available to students regardless of major. Students wishing to be considered for Choral Scholarships should contact Director Michael Gray at mdgray@carroll.edu to make arrangements for the Annual Choral Scholarship Audition, at which time all participants are assessed for acceptance into the Chamber Choir. The audition normally consists of vocalization to test range, pitch memory drills, and melodic and rhythmic sightreading. Students who receive Choral Scholarships are required to register for one of the choirs each semester.

Carroll College Instrumental Ensemble

Music String Ensemble

The Carroll College Instrumental Ensemble (MUS 235-236) is open to any instrumental players. The Instrumental Ensemble rehearses and performs a variety of music that is appropriate for the college-level instrumental ensemble. Additionally, the Instrumental Ensemble will perform at a semester-end concert, as well other playing opportunities within Carroll Colleges departments, Talent Shows, and possible tours locally or with Carroll College Choir.

Currently, the Instrumental Ensemble is directed by Rebecca Kagerer and is held M/W/F at noon in the Guad Music Room.

Prerequisites: Private or high school band/orchestra experience of at least 3 years. May be repeated for credit.

Pep Band

Pep Band

The Carroll College Pep Band provides live musical entertainment for football, volleyball, and basketball games. Playing music from a variety of eras and genres while cheering on Carroll athletes, the ensemble is a key part of the spirited atmosphere of a Carroll College gameday.

Interested in joining? The pep band is open to all students with experience playing woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. For more information, contact Pep Band Director Rebecca Kagerer. Scholarships are available for pep band students.

Choir in Theatre

Our Faculty

Carroll College is proud of the depth of experiences, talent, and knowledge our faculty bring to our music students.

Apply to the Music Program

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